Bill > SB42

This bill modifies Texas education law to expand access to free full-day prekindergarten programs for children. The key changes include removing the previous requirement that a district must identify at least 15 eligible children to offer prekindergarten classes and expanding eligibility to include all children who are at least four years old, in addition to the existing categories of eligible children (such as those who are non-English speakers, educationally disadvantaged, homeless, children of military personnel, or in foster care). The bill mandates that all prekindergarten classes must now be offered on a full-day basis, and districts are prohibited from charging tuition for these classes. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to report more detailed information about their prekindergarten programs through the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS), including demographic data, class sizes, funding sources, and curriculum details. These changes will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, with the bill becoming law either immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the immediate voting threshold.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB42