| Chapter 097 |
| 2023 -- H 5544 Enacted 06/19/2023 |
| A N A C T |
| RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS |
Introduced By: Representatives Donovan, Cortvriend, and Spears |
| Date Introduced: February 15, 2023 |
| It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: |
| SECTION 1. Section 16-2-27 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-2 entitled "School |
| Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education |
| Act]" 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 |
| 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. Every child who has attained, or will have |
| attained, six (6) years of age on or before September 1 of any school year shall attend kindergarten |
| during all the days that the kindergartens are in session during the school year if said child has not |
| previously attended and successfully completed kindergarten. If When a child is enrolled in |
| kindergarten, the attendance requirements of § 16-19-1 shall apply. All school districts shall |
| provide full-day kindergarten to every eligible student pursuant to chapter 99 of this title 16. |
| SECTION 2. Section 16-2-28 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-2 entitled "School |
| Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education |
| Act]" is hereby repealed. |
| 16-2-28. Eligibility for attendance — First grade. |
| Every child who has completed or will have completed six (6) years of life on or before |
| September 1 of any school year shall be eligible to attend first grade during all the days that the |
| public schools are in session during the school year. Every child shall be eligible to attend first |
| grade only upon completion of a state recognized or accredited kindergarten program. |
| SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage. |
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| LC001614 |
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