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Signed Into Law
Signed June 20, 2025Effective 2025-06-20
HB117

Regular Session

Relating to the establishment of the governor's task force on the governance of early childhood education and care.

Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis

HB117: Government Affairs Overview

HB117 initiates a state-mandated redesign of the regulatory framework for all early childhood education and care providers in Texas, effective immediately. While immediate operational changes are minimal, this legislation triggers a consolidation of oversight between TEA, HHSC, and TWC that will fundamentally alter licensing, data reporting, and quality standards by 2027.

Rep. Alan Schoolcraft·House Bill·Regular Session

Low
Low Cost
Effective:2025-06-20
Business Impact

Who HB117 Affects

This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:

Regulatory Priority: low

Standard regulatory changes (effective 2025-06-20). Review during normal business planning.

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Education

Affected business types:

  • School districts
  • Charter schools
  • Private schools
  • Education service providers
View all education legislation

Key Operational Considerations

  • 1No immediate changes. Current certification and ratio requirements remain in force under existing HHSC/TWC rules until the Task Force recommends a new governance structure.

Estimated Cost Impact

lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.

Enforcing Agencies

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HB117
Relating to the establishment of the governor's task force on the governance of early childhood education and care.
Low Urgency
Heavily Contested
House Vote103 - 40
YEA
NAY
72% in favor143 voting
Senate Vote25 - 6
YEA
NAY
81% in favor31 voting
46
Total Opposition Votes
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-06-20
Enforcing Agencies
HHSCTEATWC
Primary Author: Rep. Alan Schoolcraft
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: June 20, 2025 (Signed and effective immediately).
  • Compliance Deadline: None immediately. This is a governance-creation bill. The critical window for industry engagement is June 2025 through December 1, 2026.
  • Agency Rulemaking: The Task Force is active immediately. Agencies (TEA, HHSC, TWC) are currently in a "regulatory gray zone" where they must integrate data systems prior to the Task Force's final report due December 1, 2026. Expect new statutory requirements in the 2027 legislative session based on these findings.

Immediate Action Plan

  • Apply for Appointment: Submit applications to the Governor’s Appointments Office immediately for the "private child-care facility" representative seat. Direct industry representation is the only defense against impractical regulations.
  • Audit Tech Stack: Verify with your software vendors (SIS/Compliance tools) that they are prepared for future API integrations with TEA/HHSC systems.
  • Monitor Interim Reports: Assign a compliance officer to track the Task Force’s periodic progress reports to anticipate changes in "quality" definitions that could impact your liability insurance.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Employment Agreements: If a staff member from your facility is appointed to the Task Force (as permitted under Sec. 455.003(b)(6)), you must amend their employment contract to define compensation and leave during their service to the state.
  • Vendor MSAs: Review Master Service Agreements with state-funded programs (e.g., Texas Rising Star). Anticipate amendments regarding data-sharing protocols as the state begins the mandated $1.5M data system integration.

Hiring/Training

  • No immediate changes. Current certification and ratio requirements remain in force under existing HHSC/TWC rules until the Task Force recommends a new governance structure.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Data System Audits: The law mandates the integration of data across TEA, HHSC, and TWC. Providers using legacy software or paper records must prepare to migrate to digital systems capable of API integration. The state is building a unified tracking system; your internal systems must be compatible by 2027 to avoid compliance failures.

Fees & Costs

  • No new fees. The Task Force and data integration are funded by state appropriations ($2.1M fiscal impact).
  • Future Capital Expenditure Risk: Be advised that the Task Force is charged with defining "high-quality" standards. If these standards require physical plant upgrades or lower ratios, costs will rise significantly post-2027.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • "Large-Scale Redesign": The law explicitly seeks a redesign of governance. It is unclear if Child Care Regulation (CCR) will move from HHSC (health/safety focus) to TEA (education focus). A move to TEA would fundamentally change inspection criteria from safety compliance to educational outcomes.
  • Standard of Care Liability: The Task Force must define "high-quality prekindergarten." Once defined in a state report, this definition may be used by plaintiffs' attorneys to establish a new, higher "standard of care" in negligence lawsuits, even before it is codified into law.
  • Data Privacy (FERPA vs. HIPAA): The bill mandates data merging but does not specify how student educational records (TEA) will be reconciled with health/safety records (HHSC) regarding privacy laws.

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JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

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Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Mar 13, 2025
Passed House
Apr 17, 2025
Passed Senate
May 28, 2025
Signed
Jun 20, 2025
Effective
Jun 20, 2025
TopicsEducationEducation--primary & SecondaryEducation--primary & Secondary--generalGovernorHuman ServicesHuman Services--child ServicesState Agencies, Boards & CommissionsState Agencies, Boards & Commissions--newly ProposedState FinancesState Finances--management & ControlPreschool & PrekindergartenEducation Agency, TexasGovernor ’s Task Force On Governance of Early Childhood Education and CareHealth & Human Services CommissionState Health Services, Department ofWorkforce Commission, Texas
03

House Authors

Rep. Alan SchoolcraftRepublican · Primary Author

Senate Sponsors

Sen. Donna CampbellRepublican · Primary Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

Related Legislation

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Related by Topic

View more Education legislation
Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about HB117

Q

What does Texas HB117 do?

HB117 initiates a state-mandated redesign of the regulatory framework for all early childhood education and care providers in Texas, effective immediately. While immediate operational changes are minimal, this legislation triggers a consolidation of oversight between TEA, HHSC, and TWC that will fundamentally alter licensing, data reporting, and quality standards by 2027.

Q

Who authored HB117?

HB117 was authored by Texas Representative Alan Schoolcraft during the Regular Session.

Q

When was HB117 signed into law?

HB117 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce HB117?

HB117 is enforced by Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

Q

How significant are the changes in HB117?

The regulatory priority for HB117 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.

Q

What is the cost impact of HB117?

The cost impact of HB117 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does HB117 address?

HB117 addresses topics including education, education--primary & secondary, education--primary & secondary--general, governor and human services.

Q

What are the key dates for HB117?

Key dates for HB117: Effective date is 2025-06-20. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.

Q

Which Texas businesses are affected by HB117?

HB117 primarily affects healthcare providers and medical facilities. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.

Need Strategic Guidance on This Legislation?

JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: January 11, 2026