HB21 Summary

• Amends Section 16-28-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to change the enrollment age cutoff for first grade from September 1 to December 31.

• A child who is six years of age on or before December 31 or the date the second semester begins in the enrolling district is entitled to admission to first grade.

• A child under six years of age on December 31 or the second semester start date is not entitled to first grade admission that school year, with exceptions for children transferring from first grade in another state or those who completed mandated kindergarten in another state.

• Allows a child who becomes six years old on or before February 1 to be admitted at the beginning of the second semester with approval from the local board of education in school systems with semiannual promotions.

• The bill passed the House 97-2 on April 23, 2015 and becomes effective immediately upon passage and gubernatorial approval.