HB113 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Pebblin W. WarrenRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Public elementary school, admittance of children to kindergarten and first grade, demonstration of first grade readiness

Summary

HB113 updates Alabama's rules for when children can start kindergarten or first grade, adds a readiness test for those entering first grade without completing kindergarten, and requires outreach and potential local funding to support the changes.

What This Bill Does

It sets age rules for first grade admission, generally allowing six-year-olds by the district start date or December 31 to enter first grade, with exceptions for younger children under certain transfer or completed kindergarten circumstances. It requires a first grade readiness assessment for students entering first grade who have not completed kindergarten; if they do not meet readiness, they must be enrolled in kindergarten and receive targeted supports identified through ongoing assessments. It allows underage students transferring from another state to enter first grade, and permits space-based admission to public kindergarten under specified conditions. The bill also directs the Department of Education to run a targeted campaign to promote kindergarten enrollment, notes potential local funding requirements, preserves teacher units, and becomes effective July 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Students and families of public schools—changes to when children can enroll in kindergarten or first grade and what readiness testing is required may affect enrollment timing and placement decisions.
• Public school districts and state education agencies—tasked with implementing the new age rules, administering assessments, managing space-based admissions, funding considerations, and conducting the promotion campaign.

Key Provisions

• Age-based admission and transfer rules for kindergarten and first grade, including exceptions for out-of-state transfers and for underage children, plus mid-year admission options for certain age groups.
• First-grade readiness assessment for students entering first grade who have not completed kindergarten, with early-year assessments and available supports for those not meeting readiness, and a process to place eligible underage entrants or redirect others to kindergarten as needed.

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

Subjects

Education