House Bill No. 1996 amends Section 29.153(b) of the Education Code to expand the eligibility criteria for children to enroll in free prekindergarten programs in public schools. The bill introduces a new eligibility category, allowing children who receive special education services under Subchapter A to qualify for enrollment. Additionally, it retains existing criteria, such as being unable to speak and comprehend English, being educationally disadvantaged, being homeless, or being the child of active duty military personnel or those injured or killed in service.

The changes will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and the bill stipulates that it will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025. The inclusion of children receiving special education services aims to ensure that more children have access to early education opportunities, thereby supporting their developmental needs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 29.153 (Education Code 29)