TITLE: Relating to the eligibility of certain children who are or were in foster care for free prekindergarten programs in public schools.

SUMMARY: Relating to the eligibility of certain children who are or were in foster care for free prekindergarten programs in public schools.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the eligibility of certain children who are or were in foster care for free prekindergarten programs in public schools. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. This Act may be cited as Jace's Law. SECTION 2. 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 homeless, 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; (6) is or ever has been in:(A) the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services following an adversary hearing held as provided by Section 262.201, Family Code; or (B) foster care in another state or territory, if the child resides in this state; 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 3. This Act applies beginning with the 2021-2022 school year. SECTION 4. 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.