This bill, introduced by Senator Menndez, amends Section 466.408 of the Government Code to allocate unclaimed lottery prize money to benefit the child-care services program administered by the Texas Workforce Commission. The amendment specifies that after certain allocations, including up to $20 million for indigent health care services and $5 million for inpatient hospital services along the Texas-Mexico border, the remaining unclaimed prize money—up to $5 million each fiscal year—will be directed to the general revenue fund specifically for child-care services. Additionally, any remaining unclaimed prize money not allocated to the previous categories will be deposited into the foundation school fund.

The bill also clarifies that the changes will only apply to unclaimed lottery prizes for games where the winner was selected on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Prizes from games with winners selected before this date will continue to be governed by the existing law. This legislative change aims to enhance funding for child-care services in Texas, addressing a critical need in the community.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 466.408 (Government Code 466)