AL SB76

Amends Section 16-28-4 of the Alabama Code to allow children to enter first grade if they are six years old on or before December 31 or the school start date, provided they have completed kindergarten or demonstrate first grade readiness.

Requires the State Department of Education to create and the State Board of Education to approve an assessment of essential development and physical skills to determine first grade readiness; children who do not pass must be enrolled in kindergarten.

Permits underage children (under five years old on September 1) to enroll in kindergarten on a space-available basis with local board approval if they will turn five between September 1 and December 31 and meet developmental readiness criteria established by the local board.

Allows underage children (under six years old on December 31) to enter first grade if they transfer from first grade in another state, regardless of readiness demonstration.

Becomes effective July 1, 2024, and requires a two-thirds legislative vote to become effective for local school boards unless they separately approve it or the Legislature appropriates funds.