Bill > HB0568

This bill amends existing Utah education law to require local education agencies (LEAs) to provide half-day kindergarten classes in schools, with several key provisions. The bill mandates that each LEA governing board must offer a half-day kindergarten class for students who choose to participate, and requires schools to inform parents about the half-day kindergarten option during registration. When half-day kindergarten enrollment at a school exceeds 18 students, the school must designate itself as a half-day kindergarten provider and potentially recruit teachers who prefer half-day teaching. The bill allows LEA boards discretion to move students into full-day classes if half-day enrollment is below 18 students, but explicitly states that no student can be required to participate in full-day kindergarten. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement starting in the 2024-2025 school year that kindergarten students must be toilet trained, with provisions for exceptions related to students with individualized education plans (IEPs) or Section 504 accommodation plans. The legislation maintains kindergarten's non-compulsory status and ensures that half-day students will still receive instruction meeting minimum state standards. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving schools time to prepare for the new requirements.

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0568.html