BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 725

By: Patterson

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that, although a child who is or has been under Department of Family and Protective Services conservatorship qualifies for free public school prekindergarten programs, a child who has been in foster care in another state but now resides in Texas does not qualify for such programs. H.B. 725 seeks to address this issue by making such a child eligible for free prekindergarten in Texas public schools.

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. 725 amends the Education Code to make a child who is at least three years of age, resides in Texas, and is or ever has been in foster care in another state or territory eligible for enrollment in a free prekindergarten class offered by a public school district. The bill applies beginning with the 2021-2022 school year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.