This week we are going to continue to look at the new legislation that we will be dealing with this year.  And remember: all of these new laws will be discussed at my Back to School programs which are offered in nine locations from September 11 to October 5. Go to www.legaldigest.com for specific dates and venues, and to register.

Today, a quick review of HB 357, which is short and sweet.  It adds another category of children who are eligible for free Pre-K.  Many of us think it would be a wonderful thing if Pre-K could be offered to every child in Texas, but our legislators are not willing to go there.  However, they seem to add another new category of eligible three-year olds with every session.  This year’s entry: children of people who are eligible for the Star of Texas Award. The Star of Texas Award goes to peace officers, firefighters and emergency medical first responders who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.

Please note, this applies to the children of those who are “eligible” for this award, even if they have not actually received it.  Question: why are teachers not eligible for the Star of Texas Award?

DAWG BONE: TEACHERS GET SERIOUSLY INJURED ON THE JOB TOO—WHY ARE THEY NOT ELIGIBLE?

Tomorrow: Toolbox Tuesday looks at the new law re: “location-restricted” knives.