BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 357
85R2347 MM-F	By: Huberty et al. (Huffman)
	Intergovernmental Relations
	5/19/2017
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Interested parties observe that state-funded prekindergarten programs provide access to early education and care for children who live with limited means or without the full support of parents or guardians.

H.B. 357 expands the availability of these programs to children whose parents or guardians are eligible for the Star of Texas Award, which is presented to first responders who are severely injured, fatally injured, or killed in the line of duty.

H.B. 357 amends current law relating to the eligibility of the children of certain first responders for free prekindergarten programs in public schools.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 29.153(b), Education Code, to provide that a child is eligible for enrollment in a prekindergarten class under this section (Free Prekindergarten for Certain Children) if the child is at least three years of age and is the child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award as a certain peace officer, firefighter, or emergency medical first responder.�

SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.