SRC-CTC S.B. 213 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 213 77R1501 CAS-DBy: Bernsen Education 2/16/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, state law requires children to attend school if they are at least six years of age, have previously enrolled in first grade, or are enrolled in kindergarten. There is no requirement that a child attend kindergarten. As proposed, S.B. 213 requires children who are at least five years of age on August 1 and children who are younger than five years of age on August 1 that have previously been enrolled in prekindergarten to attend kindergarten to aid in preparing children for the following grades. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 25.085(b) and (c), Education Code, to require that a child who is at least five, rather than six, years of age on August 1 or who is younger than five, rather than six, years of age on August 1 and has previously been enrolled in prekindergarten, rather than first grade, and who has not yet reached the age of 18 attend school, and on enrollment in prekindergarten, attend school. SECTION 2. Amends Section 29.151, Education Code, to make a conforming change. SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective to the 2001-2002 school year. Effective date: upon passage or 91st day after adjournment of the legislative session.