HBA-MPM H.B. 420 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 420
By: Wise
Public Education
4/12/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prior to the 74th legislative session, all prekindergarten programs that
commenced after September 1, 1991 were required to comply with standards
set by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (PRS)
regarding class size, safety, and furnishings.  Existing programs were
required to be in compliance by September 1, 1994.  Law enacted by the 74th
Legislature made this requirement applicable only to school districts that
contract with private entities.  It is unclear as to why the requirement
for all prekindergarten programs to comply with PRS standards should not be
reinstated.  House Bill 420 requires all prekindergarten programs to comply
with minimum standards adopted by PRS. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 420 amends the Education Code to provide that a school district
prekindergarten program, including one operated by a private entity that
contracts with the district, must comply with the applicable child-care
licensing standards adopted by the Department of Protective and Regulatory
Services. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001. The Act applies beginning with the
2001-2002 school year.