HB494 - Relating to the eligibility of the children of public school employees for free prekindergarten programs in public schools.

  89R1208 JTZ-D     By: Goodwin H.B. No. 494       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the eligibility of the children of public school   employees for free prekindergarten programs in public schools.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Sections 29.153(b) and (f), Education Code, are   amended to read as follows:          (b)  A child is eligible for enrollment in a prekindergarten   class under this section if the child is at least three years of age   and:                (1)  is unable to speak and comprehend the English   language;                (2)  is educationally disadvantaged;                (3)  is homeless, regardless of the residence of the   child, of either parent of the child, or of the child's guardian or   other person having lawful control of the child;                (4)  is the child of an active duty member of the armed   forces of the United States, including the state military forces or   a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active   duty by proper authority;                (5)  is the child of a member of the armed forces of the   United States, including the state military forces or a reserve   component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while   serving on active duty;                (6)  is or ever has been in:                      (A)  the conservatorship of the Department of   Family and Protective Services following an adversary hearing held   as provided by Section 262.201, Family Code; or                      (B)  foster care in another state or territory, if   the child resides in this state; [ or ]                (7)  is the child of a person eligible for the Star of   Texas Award as:                      (A)  a peace officer under Section 3106.002,   Government Code;                      (B)  a firefighter under Section 3106.003,   Government Code; or                      (C)  an emergency medical first responder under   Section 3106.004, Government Code ; or                 (8)     is the child of a full-time employee of the school   district .          (f)  A child who is eligible for enrollment in a   prekindergarten class under Subsection (b)(4) , [ or ] (5) , or (8)   remains eligible for enrollment after the child begins a   prekindergarten class if , as applicable, the child's parent :                 (1)   leaves the armed forces ;                 (2)   [ , or ] is no longer on active duty ; or                 (3)  is no longer employed by the school district [ ,   after the child begins a prekindergarten class ].          SECTION 2.  This Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026   school year.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives   a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as   provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this   Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this   Act takes effect September 1, 2025.