Bill > HB46

This bill modifies several provisions of the Public School Code of 1949 related to school age requirements and educational programs. It mandates that all school districts establish and maintain kindergarten programs, which must be available to children who are five years old by the first day of the school year, and operate for at least two and a half hours daily. The bill also introduces a new requirement for pre-kindergarten programs in all school districts, which must similarly be an integral part of the elementary school system and operate for at least two and a half hours each day. Additionally, the bill lowers the compulsory school age and school attendance age limits from six to five years old, and adjusts the maximum age for school attendance from eighteen to seventeen years old (with an exception allowing students who turn 21 during the school term to continue attending until the end of that term). School districts are given the discretion to set specific age policies within these guidelines and to appoint certified teachers for these programs. The changes will apply to the academic year following the bill's effective date, which will be 90 days after its enactment.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=46