The bill amends Section 16-28-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish new requirements for children's admission to public schools, specifically regarding kindergarten and first grade. It changes the minimum age for kindergarten admission from six years to five years, stipulating that a child must be five years old on or before September 1 to enroll in kindergarten. Additionally, it introduces a provision allowing underage children to be admitted to kindergarten if they transfer from a public kindergarten in another state or if they will turn five between September 1 and December 31 and meet certain criteria set by the local board of education. The bill also specifies that children who are six years old by December 31 and have not completed kindergarten may be admitted to first grade if they demonstrate readiness through an assessment approved by the State Board of Education.

Furthermore, the bill outlines that underage children who transfer from first grade in another state may be admitted to first grade regardless of their age. It emphasizes that the implementation of these changes may require new or increased local funding, and if not enacted by a two-thirds vote, the bill will not take effect unless approved by the local board of education or funded by the Legislature. The bill is set to become effective three months after its passage and approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-28-4
Engrossed: 16-28-4