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AL HB43

Bill

Status

Engrossed

4/19/2023

Primary Sponsor

Pebblin Warren

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

Regular Session 2023

AI Summary

HB43 Summary

  • Changes kindergarten eligibility from age 5 by December 31 to age 5 by September 1, allowing only space-available admission for younger children who meet local board criteria or transfer from another state's kindergarten program.

  • Requires children to either complete kindergarten or demonstrate first grade readiness on a State Board of Education-approved assessment before enrolling in first grade.

  • Allows first grade admission for children age 6 by December 31 who have not completed kindergarten if they demonstrate first grade entry readiness on the state-approved assessment; children who fail the assessment must enroll in kindergarten.

  • Permits underage children to enter first grade without assessment requirements if they transfer from first grade in another state.

  • Requires the State Board of Education to create and publish essential first grade readiness skills and prohibits school systems from losing teacher units due to implementation of this act.

Legislative Description

To amend Section 16-28-4, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the minimum age for attendance at public schools; to require a child to complete kindergarten or demonstrate first grade readiness before entering the first grade; to provide for circumstances under which a child who is under five years of age on September 1 may be admitted to public kindergarten; to provide for circumstances under which a child who is under six years of age on December 31 may be admitted to public school first grade; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

Education, public K-12 schools, require a child to successfully complete kindergarten before being admitted to the first grade

Last Action

Read Second Time in Second House

5/24/2023

Committee Referrals

Education Policy4/19/2023
Education Policy2/23/2023

Full Bill Text

No bill text available