HB208 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Pebblin W. WarrenRepresentative
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Public schools, require a child successfully complete kindergarten before being admitted to the first grade, Sec. 16-28-4 am'd.
Summary: HB208 would require children to complete kindergarten before entering first grade in Alabama public schools, with age-based enrollment rules and readiness assessments.
What This Bill Does
It changes the rule so that kindergarten is a prerequisite for first grade. It sets when children must enroll in kindergarten based on age, and it allows limited underage admission only under specific conditions or after demonstrating readiness. It requires district-approved assessments to determine first-grade readiness and directs the state to publish related readiness benchmarks. It notes potential local funding impacts but says the bill falls under exceptions that may avoid requiring local approval or a 2/3 vote.

Who It Affects
Public school students and their families, who would need to enroll in kindergarten and may be subject to readiness assessments before starting first grade.
Local school districts and the Alabama Department of Education, who must implement the new rules, administer assessments, and publish readiness information.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 16-28-4 to require kindergarten before entry into first grade and to adjust age-based admission rules accordingly.
A child who becomes six years old between September 1 and December 31 must complete kindergarten or demonstrate first-grade readiness before entering first grade (with board approval or other criteria as applicable).
Five-year-olds by September 1 have defined eligibility for local public school kindergarten; children under five on September 1 are generally not admitted to kindergarten unless exceptions apply (e.g., space-available enrollment or transfers from another state).
Underage or out-of-state transfer cases may be admitted to local kindergarten or first grade if they complete required kindergarten or demonstrate readiness as determined by district assessments and state-defined criteria; the State Department of Education will publish essential first-grade readiness skills and benchmarks.
The act includes provisions to prevent loss of teaching positions and directs the State Board of Education to adopt implementation policies for local boards of education.
Effective date language specifies when the act becomes law, with details in the text regarding immediate or scheduled effective dates.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Public Schools