The bill amends Section 16-2-27 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-2, which pertains to the eligibility for attendance in kindergarten. The new language inserted into the law mandates that every child who is six years old by September 1 of any school year must attend kindergarten if they have not previously attended and successfully completed it. Additionally, the bill requires all school districts to provide full-day kindergarten to every eligible student in accordance with chapter 99 of title 16. The bill also modifies the language to clarify that when a child is enrolled in kindergarten, the attendance requirements of § 16-19-1 shall apply.

Section 2 of the bill repeals Section 16-2-28 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-2, which previously set forth the eligibility for attendance in first grade based on age and completion of a recognized kindergarten program. The deletion of this section suggests that the requirements for first-grade attendance have been revised or removed. The act is set to take effect upon passage, indicating that the changes will be implemented immediately once the bill is enacted. The explanation provided by the Legislative Council states that the act amends the law relative to eligibility for attendance for kindergarten students and confirms the act's immediate effectiveness upon passage.

Statutes affected:
1090: 16-2-27, 16-2-28