TX SB42

Requires all school districts to offer free prekindergarten classes to any child who is at least four years of age, regardless of eligibility criteria previously required

Maintains existing eligibility categories for three-year-olds, including children who are unable to speak English, educationally disadvantaged, homeless, children of active duty or injured/killed military members, children in foster care, or children of Star of Texas Award-eligible first responders

Mandates that all prekindergarten classes operate on a full-day basis, eliminating the previous option for half-day programs for children under four

Limits commissioner exemptions from prekindergarten requirements to only situations where a district would need to construct new classroom facilities, removing the previous exemption for cases where implementation would reduce enrollment

Applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, with immediate effect if passed by two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025 otherwise