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.