Bill > HB494

This bill amends the Texas Education Code to add children of full-time school district employees as eligible for free prekindergarten programs, expanding the existing list of children who can enroll in prekindergarten classes. Currently, eligibility is based on factors such as language barriers, economic disadvantage, homelessness, military family status, being in foster care, or having a parent who is a decorated first responder. The new provision allows children of full-time school district employees to enroll in prekindergarten programs, with a continuation clause that permits the child to remain enrolled even if the parent leaves employment with the school district. The changes will apply starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and the bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the immediate effect vote. This modification aims to provide additional educational opportunities for children of school district employees by ensuring access to early childhood education programs.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB494