89R2204 CXP-D
By: Lopez of Bexar H.B. No. 225
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a pilot program to provide grants for free or
reduced-tuition prekindergarten classes to certain children.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 29.1535 to read as follows:
Sec. 29.1535. FREE AND REDUCED-TUITION PREKINDERGARTEN
GRANT PILOT PROGRAM. (a) From money appropriated or otherwise
available for the purpose, the commissioner, in collaboration with
the Pre-K 4 SA early childhood initiative, shall establish and
administer a pilot program to provide grants to school districts,
open-enrollment charter schools, and private schools to provide
free or reduced-tuition prekindergarten classes to eligible
children.
(b) A school district, open-enrollment charter school, or
private school shall use money received under the pilot program to
provide free or reduced-tuition prekindergarten classes to
eligible children.
(c) A child is eligible to enroll in a prekindergarten class
described by Subsection (b) if the child:
(1) is at least three years of age; and
(2) resides in the regional boundaries of the Region
20 education service center.
(d) To the extent consistent with state and federal law, a
prekindergarten class provided using money received under the pilot
program must be operated in accordance with any curriculum and
teaching methods implemented by the Pre-K 4 SA early childhood
initiative.
(e) Not later than September 1 of each year, the
commissioner shall prepare and submit to the legislature a report
on the pilot program under this section. The report must include:
(1) an evaluation of the academic and developmental
achievements of students enrolled in a prekindergarten class using
money received under the pilot program; and
(2) any recommendations for legislative or other
action.
(f) The commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary to
establish and administer the pilot program under this section.
(g) The pilot program is abolished and this section expires
January 1, 2031.
SECTION 2. Not later than September 1, 2026, the
commissioner of education shall submit the initial report required
by Section 29.1535, Education Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026
school year.
SECTION 4. 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, 2025.