HB 117

relating to the establishment of the governor's task force on the
governance of early childhood education and care.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Subtitle D, Title 4, Government Code, is amended
by adding Chapter 455 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 455.  GOVERNOR'S TASK FORCE ON GOVERNANCE OF EARLY
Sec. 455.001.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "task force"
means the governor's task force on the governance of early
childhood education and care established under this chapter.
Sec. 455.002.  ESTABLISHMENT.  (a)  The governor's task
force on the governance of early childhood education and care is
established to address the governance and operational challenges of
the early childhood education system in this state.
(b)  The task force is administratively attached to the Texas
Sec. 455.003.  MEMBERS.  (a)  The task force shall include a
steering committee composed of the following members:
(1)  the executive commissioner of the Health and Human
(2)  the commissioner of the Texas Education Agency;
(3)  the commissioner of the Texas Workforce
(4)  relevant division directors designated by the
individuals described by Subdivisions (1), (2), and (3); and
(5)  the Texas Education Agency's inter-agency deputy
director of early childhood support.
(b)  The task force is composed of the following members:
(1)  a representative from the Texas Head Start State
Collaboration Office appointed by the governor;
(2)  a representative from the Department of State
Health Services appointed by the governor;
(3)  representatives from the Texas Early Learning
Council designated by the steering committee described by
(4)  individuals with knowledge of or experience with
early childhood education and care, including business and
community leaders, representatives of nonprofit organizations, and
other relevant stakeholders, appointed by the governor.
(c)  The governor shall appoint the chair of the task force.
(d)  To the extent of a conflict with this chapter, Chapter
2110 does not apply to the task force.
Sec. 455.004.  POWERS AND DUTIES.  (a)  The task force shall:
(1)  examine governance and operational challenges in
the early childhood education and care system, including federal
and local child-care programs and regulations governing those
(2)  conduct a comprehensive review of the existing
functions and responsibilities of the Health and Human Services
Commission, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Workforce Commission
related to early childhood education and care;
(3)  assess the need for a large-scale redesign of the
administration of early childhood programs to improve service
delivery, quality of care, and the efficient use of funding;
(4)  align goals and metrics of the Health and Human
Services Commission, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Workforce
Commission to measure progress, including aligning statewide data
(5)  require the Health and Human Services Commission,
Texas Education Agency, and Texas Workforce Commission to complete
periodic progress reports and regularly refine statewide goals and
strategic plans to ensure alignment with evolving early childhood
education and care needs and collaboration with the Texas Early
(b)  From money appropriated or otherwise available for the
purpose, the Texas Education Agency shall pay the costs of data
system integration, research, and administration for the task
Sec. 455.005.  REPORT.  Not later than December 1, 2026, the
task force shall develop and submit to the legislature policy and
budget recommendations designed to improve early childhood
education and care governance that will lead to increased
affordable child care capacity and improved kindergarten
Sec. 455.006.  EXPIRATION.  The task force is abolished and
this chapter expires September 1, 2027.
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, 2025.