SECTION 1. Section 16-2-27 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-2 entitled "School Committees and Superintendents" is hereby amended to read as follows:

16-2-27. Eligibility for attendance -- Kindergarten. -- Every child who has attained or will have attained five (5) years of age on or before December 31 September 1 of any school year shall be eligible to attend kindergarten during all the days that the kindergartens are in session during the school year.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2004.