78R7443 CAS-D

By:  Coleman                                                      H.B. No. 1956



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to eligibility for public school prekindergarten classes.            
	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 [is]:
		(1)  is unable to speak and comprehend the English 
language;         
		(2)  has a family income that is not more than 200 
percent of the federal poverty level according to the poverty index 
prepared by the federal Office of Management and Budget
[educationally disadvantaged]; or
		(3)  is homeless, as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 
11302, 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.
	SECTION 2.  This Act applies beginning with the 2003-2004 
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, 2003.