GOVERNMENT CODE

TITLE 4. EXECUTIVE BRANCH

SUBTITLE D. HISTORY, CULTURE, AND EDUCATION

For expiration of this chapter, see Section 455.006.

CHAPTER 455.  GOVERNOR'S TASK FORCE ON GOVERNANCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE

Sec. 455.001.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "task force" means the governor's task force on the governance of early childhood education and care established under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 916 (H.B. 117), Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2025.

Sec. 455.002.  ESTABLISHMENT.  (a)  The governor's task force on the governance of early childhood education and care is established to address the governance and operational challenges of the early childhood education system in this state. 
(b)  The task force is administratively attached to the Texas Education Agency.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 916 (H.B. 117), Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2025.

Sec. 455.003.  MEMBERS.  (a)  The task force shall include a steering committee composed of the following members:
(1)  the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission; 
(2)  the commissioner of the Texas Education Agency; 
(3)  the chair of the Texas Workforce Commission;
(4)  relevant division directors designated by the individuals described by Subdivisions (1), (2), and (3); and
(5)  the Texas Education Agency's inter-agency deputy director of early childhood support.
(b)  The task force is composed of the following members:
(1)  one public school teacher certified to teach prekindergarten;
(2)  one certified teacher who is employed by a private child-care facility or prekindergarten program;
(3)  a representative from the Texas Head Start State Collaboration Office appointed by the governor;
(4)  a representative from the Department of State Health Services appointed by the governor;
(5)  two representatives from the Texas Early Learning Council designated by the steering committee described by Subsection (a); and
(6)  at least two but not more than five individuals with knowledge of early childhood education and care or experience as a direct operator of an early childhood education and care program, including business and community leaders, representatives of nonprofit organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, appointed by the governor.
(c)  The governor shall appoint the chair of the task force. 
(d)  Chapter 2110 does not apply to the size, composition, or duration of the task force.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 916 (H.B. 117), Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2025.

Sec. 455.004.  POWERS AND DUTIES.  (a)  The task force shall:
(1)  examine governance and operational challenges in the early childhood education and care system, including federal and local child-care programs and regulations governing those programs;
(2)  develop and recommend standards for high quality prekindergarten programs, including programs under Subchapter E-1, Chapter 29, Education Code;
(3)  with a focus on improving government efficiency, conduct a comprehensive review of the existing functions and responsibilities of the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Workforce Commission related to early childhood education and care; and
(4)  consider methods for a large-scale redesign of the administration of early childhood programs to improve efficiency, service delivery, quality of care, and the efficient use of funding.
(b)  The steering committee of the task force shall:
(1)  align goals and metrics of the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Workforce Commission to measure progress, including aligning statewide data systems; and
(2)  require the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Workforce Commission to complete and submit to the task force periodic progress reports and regularly refine statewide goals and strategic plans to ensure alignment with evolving early childhood education and care needs.
(c)  From money appropriated or otherwise available for the purpose, the Texas Education Agency shall pay the costs of data system integration, research, and administration for the task force.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 916 (H.B. 117), Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2025.

Sec. 455.005.  REPORT.  Not later than December 1, 2026, the task force shall develop and submit to the legislature policy and budget recommendations designed to improve early childhood education and care governance that will:
(1)  facilitate and improve early childhood education and care participant engagement with state agencies; and
(2)  lead to improved operational efficiency, increased affordable child care capacity, and improved kindergarten readiness.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 916 (H.B. 117), Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2025.

Sec. 455.006.  EXPIRATION.  The task force is abolished and this chapter expires September 1, 2027.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 916 (H.B. 117), Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2025.