Capitol Briefing: Mandatory kindergarten bill sails through Louisiana Senate
Staff and wire reports
With little debate, the Louisiana Senate overwhelmingly backed a proposal to require all 5-year-old children to attend kindergarten.
A 34-1 vote from senators Wednesday sent the measure by Sen. Cleo Fields, a Baton Rouge Democrat, to the House for consideration.
Louisiana children currently must attend school from the ages of 7 to 18, unless they graduate early from high school. Senate Bill 10 would require children who turn 5 years old by Sept. 30 of each year to attend kindergarten, starting with the 2022-23 school year.
Supporters say mandatory kindergarten will help children from falling behind, noting studies show 90% of brain development happens between birth and age 5. Opponents say parents should be allowed to make decisions about their children's education.