2023 -- H 5544

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LC001614

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Donovan, Cortvriend, and Spears

     Date Introduced: February 15, 2023

     Referred To: House Education

     (Dept. of Education (RIDE)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 16-2-27 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-2 entitled "School

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Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education

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Act]" is hereby amended to read as follows:

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     16-2-27. Eligibility for attendance — Kindergarten.

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     Every child who has attained, or will have attained, five (5) years of age on or before

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September 1 of any school year shall be eligible to attend kindergarten during all the days that the

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kindergartens are in session during the school year. Every child who has attained, or will have

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attained, six (6) years of age on or before September 1 of any school year shall attend kindergarten

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during all the days that the kindergartens are in session during the school year if said child has not

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previously attended and successfully completed kindergarten. If When a child is enrolled in

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kindergarten, the attendance requirements of § 16-19-1 shall apply. All school districts shall

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provide full-day kindergarten to every eligible student pursuant to chapter 99 of title 16.

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     SECTION 2. Section 16-2-28 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-2 entitled "School

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Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education

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Act]" is hereby repealed.

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     16-2-28. Eligibility for attendance — First grade.

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     Every child who has completed or will have completed six (6) years of life on or before

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September 1 of any school year shall be eligible to attend first grade during all the days that the

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public schools are in session during the school year. Every child shall be eligible to attend first

 

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grade only upon completion of a state recognized or accredited kindergarten program.

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     SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS

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     This act would amend the provisions of law relative to eligibility for attendance for

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kindergarten students.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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