Rebecca Griesbach

The Alabama legislature passed a long awaited “first-grade readiness” bill Thursday, which would require students who did not complete kindergarten to take a test to enter the first grade.

If signed by Gov. Kay Ivey, HB113 will go into effect in July. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, some first graders would need to take a test to make sure they are ready for school.

Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee, the bill’s sponsor, said the bill was nearly seven years in the making. She said she brought the legislation to ensure younger children are better prepared for first grade – and to reduce the number of students who might be at risk for retention later down the line.