By:  Villarreal                                                   H.B. No. 3465



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.  The heading to Section 29.153, Education Code, 
is amended to read as follows:
	Section 2.  Section 29.153, Educational Code, is amended by 
amending Subsections (a)
	(a)  A district shall offer prekindergarten classes if the 
district identifies 15 or more children who are [eligible under 
Subsection (b) and are] at least four years of age and who are:
		(1)  unable to speak and comprehend the English 
language;            
		(2)  educationally disadvantaged; or                                   
		(3)  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.
		(4)  Residing within the boundaries of a school 
district in which more that half the student body is educationally 
disadvantaged.
	SECTION 4.  This Act applies beginning with the 2003-2004 
school year.       
	SECTION 5.  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.