Bill > HB175

This bill establishes a new optional certification program within the Texas Rising Star Program, which is a quality rating system for child-care providers. The bill requires the Texas Workforce Commission to create optional certifications that child-care providers can obtain to improve their program rating, with a specific certification focused on providers who successfully include children with disabilities alongside typically developing peers. The bill also creates a grant program to provide additional funding to child-care providers who obtain these optional certifications. Providers must apply for the grants using a form prescribed by the commission, and the grant amount will be determined based on the age groups served and the provider's enrollment capacity. The commission is authorized to solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations to support this program and is required to adopt rules for its implementation. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and the Texas Workforce Commission is directed to develop the necessary rules as soon as practicable after the effective date.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB175