TITLE: Relating to a process for determining the rating level of certain child-care facilities operated by providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program.

SUMMARY: Relating to a process for determining the rating level of certain child-care facilities operated by providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a process for determining the rating level of certain child-care facilities operated by providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 2308.3155, Government Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-3) to read as follows: (b-3) The commission shall develop a process by which the commission may apply the four-star rating level of an existing child-care facility operated by a Texas Rising Star Program provider to a new child-care facility opened by the provider in the same city, postal code, or county. The new child-care facility may retain the four-star rating level applied under this subsection for not longer than six months after the date the provider opens the facility. During the six months described by this subsection, the provider must demonstrate the provider's efforts to ensure the new child-care facility is able to meet eligibility requirements for initial certification under the Texas Rising Star Program. The process developed under this subsection must require that for a new child-care facility to which this subsection applies: (1) the provider obtains an initial permit from the Health and Human Services Commission; (2) the commission completes a full assessment of the facility not later than six months after the date the provider opens the facility; and (3) the commission waives requirements related to licensing history for the facility. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.