Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3297

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the Texas prekindergarten fund to support public school prekindergarten education.

Impact

The implementation of HB3297 would facilitate financial assistance to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools that offer prekindergarten programs. It specifically targets schools serving low-income families and those located in rural or underserved areas. By prioritizing these institutions, the bill seeks to close educational gaps and promote equitable access to quality early childhood education. In addition, the fund is expected to provide resources for teacher training and professional development, which are critical for maintaining high educational standards in prekindergarten settings.

Summary

House Bill 3297 proposes the establishment of the Texas prekindergarten fund, designed to support and enhance public school prekindergarten education throughout the state. This new fund aims to ensure that all eligible children have access to high-quality prekindergarten programs. It will be funded through a combination of state appropriations, dedicated revenue, interest earnings, and donations. The bill emphasizes the need for a dedicated financial resource to bolster early education in Texas, particularly for economically disadvantaged communities.

Contention

While the bill presents advantages in terms of expanding access and improving educational quality, it may encounter contention regarding the allocation of funds. Questions may arise about how effectively the fund's resources are distributed and whether certain districts may receive more funding than others based on the criteria established in the bill. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the extent of the government's role in funding and managing prekindergarten programs versus local school district control.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 29. Educational Programs
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4112

Relating to the availability of free prekindergarten programs in public schools.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB4323

Relating to providing free full-day prekindergarten for certain children.

TX HB4515

Relating to an alternative qualified early learning grant program administered by the commissioner of education and funding for prekindergarten and kindergarten programs under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB5109

Relating to the funding of prekindergarten.

TX SB2447

Relating to the funding of prekindergarten.

TX SB58

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB4188

Relating to the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, including financial and other assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB11

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

Similar Bills

MS HB938

"Mississippi Universal Prekindergarten Program Act of 2024"; create.

MS HB112

"Mississippi Universal Prekindergarten Program Act of 2023"; create.

MS HB101

Mississippi Universal Prekindergarten Program Act of 2022; create.

MS SB2740

"Mississippi Universal Prekindergarten Program Act of 2023"; create.

MS HB473

"Mississippi Universal Prekindergarten Program Act of 2024"; create.

MS HB464

"Mississippi Universal Prekindergarten Program Act of 2025"; create.

MS HB547

"Mississippi Universal Prekindergarten Program Act of 2025"; create.

RI S2519

Allows municipalities participating in the state prekindergarten program to accept students from outside the municipality under certain conditions and establishes a lottery for enrollment in the program.