HB 1996

relating to the eligibility of children enrolled in a special
education program for free prekindergarten programs in public
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 29.153(b), Education Code, is amended to
(b)  A child is eligible for enrollment in a prekindergarten
class under this section if the child is at least three years of age
(1)  is unable to speak and comprehend the English
(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
(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
(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; [or]
(7)  is the child of a person eligible for the Star of
(A)  a peace officer under Section 3106.002,
(B)  a firefighter under Section 3106.003,
(C)  an emergency medical first responder under
Section 3106.004, Government Code; or
(8)  receives special education services under
SECTION 2.  This Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026
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, 2025.