California Moves Closer to Mandatory Kindergarten for Students

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a children's mental health program at McLane High School in Fresno, Calif., on Aug. 18, 2022. Courtesy of Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

The California Senate passed Senate Bill 70 on Monday, moving closer to making kindergarten mandatory for all students in the state.

SB 70, passed by the Senate with a 33–5 vote, will require that a child complete one year at kindergarten before being admitted to first grade at a public elementary school. If signed into law, the bill will come into effect in the 2024–25 school year.