BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 357

By: Huberty

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

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 seeks to expand 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.    

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. 357 amends the Education Code to expand eligibility for a free prekindergarten class offered by a public school district to certain disadvantaged and other children of at least three years of age to include the child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award for being seriously injured, fatally injured, or killed in the line of duty as a peace officer, firefighter, or emergency medical first responder. The bill applies beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2017.