Frank Bill Opens Free Pre-K To Foreign Military Kids

The text as introduced · 407 words

90R1249 RAL-F

By: Frank
H.B. No. 850

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the eligibility of certain children of foreign military

members for enrollment in a free prekindergarten program.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 29.153(b), Education Code, is amended to

read as follows:

(b) A child is eligible for enrollment in a prekindergarten

class under this section if the child is at least three years of age

and:

(1) is unable to speak and comprehend the English

language;

(2) is educationally disadvantaged;

(3) is homeless, 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;

(4) is the child of an active duty member of the armed

forces of the United States, including the state military forces or

a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active

duty by proper authority;

(5) is the child of a member of the armed forces of the

United States, including the state military forces or a reserve

component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while

serving on active duty;

(6) is or ever has been in:

(A) the conservatorship of the Department of

Family and Protective Services following an adversary hearing held

as provided by Section 262.201, Family Code; or

(B) foster care in another state or territory, if

the child resides in this state;

(7) is the child of a person eligible for the Star of

Texas Award as:

(A) a peace officer under Section 3106.002,

Government Code;

(B) a firefighter under Section 3106.003,

Government Code; or

(C) an emergency medical first responder under

Section 3106.004, Government Code; [ or ]

(8) is the child of a person employed as a classroom

teacher at a public primary or secondary school in the school

district that offers a prekindergarten class under this section ; or

(9) is the child of an active duty member of a foreign

military force stationed in this state .

SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2027-2028

school year.

SECTION 3. 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, 2027.