Legislature Approves Setting Mandatory School Age at 6 Years Old

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By CBS 8 News

Story Created: May 1, 2012 at 9:47 PM CDT

Story Updated: May 1, 2012 at 9:47 PM CDT

A bill that received final passage in the Alabama Legislature would require that Alabama children begin attending school or be home schooled at the age of 6.

 

State law currently sets the mandatory age of students to attend school at 7-years-old. The bill passed the House on Tuesday on a 73-20 vote and now goes to Gov. Robert Bentley for his review, Bentley's press secretary, Jennifer Ardis said the bill would be reviewed before the governor decides if he will sign the legislation.

 

The sponsor, Republican Rep. John Merrill of Tuscaloosa, said that children who don't start until age 7 would begin school behind classmates.

 

The bill allows pupils to begin school at the age of 7 if parents make a request in writing.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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