81R2263 CAE-D
By: Villarreal H.B. No. 136
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to providing notification to parents of eligible children
of the availability of prekindergarten classes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 29.1534 to read as follows:
Sec. 29.1534. NOTIFICATION OF PREKINDERGARTEN CLASSES. (a)
The agency shall develop joint strategies with other state agencies
regarding methods to increase community awareness of
prekindergarten programs through programs that provide information
relating to public assistance programs.
(b) Each school district shall report annually to the agency
the strategies implemented by the school district to increase
community awareness of prekindergarten programs offered by the
district. The district shall report the information on a form
prescribed by the commissioner.
(c) Not later than January 1, 2010, the agency shall conduct
a study to identify effective methods to communicate to the parent
of an eligible child the availability of prekindergarten classes.
The study must include research on providing information regarding
prekindergarten classes through public, private, and nonprofit
institutions that provide assistance and support to families with
children eligible for prekindergarten classes. Not later than
February 1, 2010, the agency shall make recommendations to school
districts based on the study regarding the most effective methods
to increase communication regarding the availability of
prekindergarten classes. This subsection expires March 1, 2010.
(d) Not later than December 1, 2010, the agency shall
prepare and deliver to the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the
house of representatives, and the presiding officer of each
legislative standing committee with primary jurisdiction over
primary and secondary education a report detailing strategies
developed under Subsection (a) to increase community awareness of
prekindergarten programs. This subsection expires January 1, 2011.
SECTION 2. 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, 2009.