85R2347 MM-F     By: Huberty, Bernal H.B. No. 357       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   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.