BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 24

By: Dominguez

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised that there are too few playgrounds that are accessible for children with disabilities. There have been calls to ensure that students are able to enjoy accessible, inclusive equipment on playgrounds in all school districts in Texas. H.B. 24 seeks to address this issue by providing for the distribution of funds for school districts to provide inclusive and accessible playgrounds.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 24 amends the Education Code to require the commissioner of education to distribute any available funds to each public school district to provide at least one playground in the district that is inclusive and accessible for students with disabilities. This requirement applies beginning with the 2021-2022 school year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.