SB89/AB119 was introduced into the Senate in February and into the Assembly in March. With 24 co-sponsors, the bill would change current mandates regarding enrollment in, and completion of, 5-year-old Kindergarten. Beginning in 2011-2012, completion of 5-year-old Kindergarten would be a prerequisite for entering first grade in any public or charter school. School districts would be allowed to make their own rules for parents and guardians to receive an exemption from this mandate. Along with enrollment and completion requirements, the bill would also call for regular attendance by 5-year-old Kindergarten students throughout the school year.

AB 119 had a public hearing earlier this month, and the bill is currently with the Assembly’s committee on Education. SB 89 is with the Senate’s committee on Education. The Senate committee will be holding its own public hearing on the bill on April 2, 2009 at 1:30 PM. The hearing will be at the Capitol in room 201 Southeast. You can read the full text of the bill here.