What is Happening in Texas?

79th Legislative Session

The 79th Regular Legislative Session convenes on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 and runs until Monday, May 30, 2005. Prefiling of legislation for the 79th Legislature began on Monday, November 8th. Friday, March 11th is the deadline for filing bills and joint resolutions other than local bills, emergency appropriations, and bills that have been declared an emergency by the Governor. The last day the Governor can sign and veto bills is Sunday, June19, 2005.

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78th Legislative Session
The 78th Legislative Session ran from January 14, 2003 to June 2, 2003. We have highlighted two bills that were successfully passed relating to early childhood education and development in Texas:

Senate Bill 76
Authored by Judith Zaffirini, Senate Bill 76 was a significant first step towards the integration of Pre-Kindergarten, Head Start, and Child Care in the state of Texas. The bill was officially signed by Governor Rick Perry on June 20, 2003 and effective on September 1, 2003.

Summary of Senate Bill 76

Initial Report
The Report of the State Center for Early Childhood Development Advisory Committee on Senate Bill 76

House Bill 1020
Authored by Representative Mike Villarreal, House Bill 1020 encourages employers to provide dependent care benefits to their employees. The bill was officially signed by Governor Rick Perry on June 20, 2003 and effective on September 1, 2003.

Summary of House Bill 1020


For more information regarding children's issues from the 78th Legislative Session, please visit:
Texans Care for Children 2003 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

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State Agency Documents

Texas Workforce Commission's Proposed Child Care and Development Fund State Plan for FY2004-2005