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CA AB1631
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/26/2026
Primary Sponsor
Al Muratsuchi
Click for details
AI Summary
- Beginning with the 2028–29 school year, children must complete one year of kindergarten before being admitted to first grade at California public elementary schools, including charter schools
- Parents retain the choice to enroll their child in public kindergarten, private kindergarten, or home schooling to satisfy the requirement before public school first grade enrollment
- Children who have not completed a full year of kindergarten may still be admitted to first grade if judged ready by school administration, with parental consent, and if the child is at least 5 years old
- The compulsory education age remains at 6 years old; the bill adds a kindergarten completion prerequisite rather than lowering the mandatory school age
- Research cited in legislative findings indicates children who attend kindergarten are more likely to attend college, earn higher wages, and experience less poverty, with larger benefits for Hispanic, Black, English learner, and lower-income children
Legislative Description
Elementary education: kindergarten.
Last Action
Referred to Com. on ED.
2/9/2026
Committee Referrals
Education2/9/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available