The bill, S.B. No. 2526, 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 new language adds that children who receive special education services under Subchapter A are eligible for enrollment, alongside existing criteria such as being unable to speak and comprehend English, being educationally disadvantaged, or being the child of an active duty military member, among others.

Additionally, the bill removes the previous eligibility condition that included children who were in foster care in another state or territory. The changes are set to take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and the bill will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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