Bill Text: TX HB357 | 2017-2018 | 85th Legislature | Enrolled

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Bill Title: Relating to the eligibility of the children of certain first responders for free prekindergarten programs in public schools.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-3)

Status: (Passed) 2017-06-15 - Effective immediately [HB357 Detail]

Download: Texas-2017-HB357-Enrolled.html

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H.B. No. 357

AN ACT
relating to the eligibility of the children of certain first
responders for free prekindergarten programs in public schools.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 29.153(b), Education Code, is amended 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:
(1) is unable to speak and comprehend the English
language;
(2) is educationally disadvantaged;
(3) is a homeless child, as defined by 42 U.S.C.
Section 11434a, 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) is 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;
(5) is 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; [or]
(6) is or ever has been in the conservatorship of the
Department of Family and Protective Services following an adversary
hearing held as provided by Section 262.201, Family Code; or
(7) is the child of a person eligible for the Star of
Texas Award as:
(A) a peace officer under Section 3106.002,
Government Code;
(B) a firefighter under Section 3106.003,
Government Code; or
(C) an emergency medical first responder under
Section 3106.004, Government Code.
SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2017-2018
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 September 1, 2017.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 357 was passed by the House on April
20, 2017, by the following vote: Yeas 131, Nays 13, 1 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 357 was passed by the Senate on May
24, 2017, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor