Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB358

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to providing free full-day prekindergarten for certain children.

Impact

The enactment of HB 358 is expected to significantly impact the educational landscape in Texas. By ensuring that tuition-free full-day prekindergarten classes are available, the bill aims to enhance early childhood education access for children who might otherwise miss these opportunities due to financial barriers. This initiative is in line with broader educational goals to prepare children for school readiness, particularly among vulnerable populations who could benefit the most from early educational interventions.

Summary

House Bill 358 is a legislative proposal aimed at providing free full-day prekindergarten education for certain children within the state of Texas. The bill amends specific sections of the Education Code to ensure that school districts offer prekindergarten classes without charging tuition. Children who are eligible for these classes must meet specific criteria, including being at least three years of age and fitting into defined categories such as being educationally disadvantaged, homeless, or the child of a military service member.

Contention

The discussions around HB 358 may encapsulate varying perspectives on early childhood education funding and accessibility. Advocates for the bill laud its potential to equalize educational opportunities for children from low-income families and other qualifying groups. Conversely, there may be concerns regarding the logistical challenges of implementation for school districts that could affect existing funding and resources. Such issues need to be navigated carefully to ensure the bill's intentions are realized without unintended negative consequences on local education systems.

Companion Bills

TX SB42

Identical Relating to providing free full-day prekindergarten for certain children.

Previously Filed As

TX SB42

Relating to providing free full-day prekindergarten for certain children.

TX HB1048

Relating to providing free full-day prekindergarten for certain children.

TX HB5614

Relating to providing free full-day prekindergarten for certain children.

TX SB175

Relating to providing free prekindergarten for certain children.

TX HB1569

Relating to the eligibility of certain children of classroom teachers for enrollment in a free prekindergarten program.

TX HB494

Relating to the eligibility of the children of public school employees for free prekindergarten programs in public schools.

TX HB190

Relating to a grant program to provide free or reduced-tuition prekindergarten classes to certain children.

TX HB225

Relating to a pilot program to provide grants for free or reduced-tuition prekindergarten classes to certain children.

TX SB237

Relating to a public school paid parental leave policy, an allotment under the Foundation School Program for the cost of providing paid parental leave under that policy, and the eligibility of certain children for free prekindergarten programs.

TX HB4704

Relating to a public school paid parental leave policy, an allotment under the Foundation School Program for the cost of providing paid parental leave under that policy, and the eligibility of certain children for free prekindergarten programs.

Similar Bills

MS HB255

"Mississippi Universal Prekindergarten Program Act of 2026"; create.

MS HB156

"Mississippi Universal Prekindergarten Program Act of 2026"; create.

MS HB464

"Mississippi Universal Prekindergarten Program Act of 2025"; create.

MS HB547

"Mississippi Universal Prekindergarten Program Act of 2025"; create.

TX SB42

Relating to providing free full-day prekindergarten for certain children.

TX HB5614

Relating to providing free full-day prekindergarten for certain children.

TX HB1048

Relating to providing free full-day prekindergarten for certain children.

TX SB175

Relating to providing free prekindergarten for certain children.