84R13181 T
By: Coleman H.B. No. 2217
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the availability of free prekindergarten programs in
public schools.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. In 2005, I filed a version of this bill because I
strongly believe in the need for early child education. I along
with millions of other children who were born into families with
adequate means have benefitted from the great advantage that
pre-kindergarten education provides, and I will continue my efforts
to make sure that these advantages are available to everyone.
Ensuring that all Texas children receive the benefit of early
childhood education is an important part of securing the future of
this state.
SECTION 2. Sections 29.153(a) and (b), Education Code, are
amended to read as follows:
(a) A district shall offer prekindergarten classes if the
district identifies 15 or more children who are [eligible under
Subsection (b) and are] at least four years of age. A school
district may offer prekindergarten classes if the district
identifies 15 or more eligible children who are at least three years
of age. A district may not charge tuition for a prekindergarten
class offered under this section.
(b) A child is eligible for enrollment in a prekindergarten
class under this section if the child is:
(1) at least three years of age and is:
(A) [(1)] unable to speak and comprehend the
English language;
(B) [(2)] educationally disadvantaged; or
(C) [(3)] homeless, as defined by 42 U.S.C.
Section 11302, 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; or
(2) at least four years of age.
SECTION 3. Section 29.1532(c), Education Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(c) A school district that offers prekindergarten classes
shall include the following information in the district's Public
Education Information Management System (PEIMS) report:
(1) demographic information, as determined by the
commissioner, on students enrolled in district prekindergarten
classes, including the number of students who are eligible for
classes under Section 29.153(b)(1) [29.153];
(2) the numbers of half-day and full-day
prekindergarten classes offered by the district; and
(3) the sources of funding for the prekindergarten
classes.
SECTION 4. Section 29.153(d), Education Code, is repealed.
SECTION 5. This Act applies beginning with the 2015-2016
school year.
SECTION 6. 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, 2015.