The bill amends Section 16-28-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to revise the age requirements for children's admission to public schools, specifically for kindergarten and first grade. It establishes a new minimum age for kindergarten at five years, requiring children to either complete kindergarten or demonstrate readiness for first grade prior to admission. The bill allows exceptions for children under five to be admitted to kindergarten and for those under six to enter first grade under certain conditions, such as transferring from another state's school or meeting specific readiness criteria set by the local board of education.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that children who have not completed kindergarten must undergo an assessment to evaluate their readiness for first grade, with provisions for support for those who do not meet the standards. It also requires the State Department of Education to promote kindergarten enrollment through an informational campaign. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2024, and may necessitate new or increased local funding, which would require a 2/3 legislative vote for enactment unless approved by local boards of education. The legislative process for HB113 reflects a collaborative effort, with amendments made by the Senate and concurred by the House, although specific details of these amendments are not provided in the summary.

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