79S30832 RMB-D

By:  Uresti                                                       H.B. No. 90 



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the eligibility of children of certain military 
personnel for free prekindergarten classes.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 29.153, Education Code, is amended by 
amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (f) 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)  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)  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 
duty by proper authority; or
		(5)  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 
serving on active duty.
	(f)  A child who is eligible for enrollment in a 
prekindergarten class under Subsection (b)(4) or (5) remains 
eligible for enrollment if the child's parent leaves the armed 
forces, or is no longer on active duty, after the child begins a 
prekindergarten class.
	SECTION 2.  This Act applies beginning with the 2006-2007 
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 on the 91st day after the last day of the 
legislative session.