HB 829 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for kindergartens; in pupils and attendance, further providing for age limits and temporary residence, for definitions and for when provided; and, in early learning programs, providing for full-day kindergarten.

HB 829 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require school districts to offer full-day kindergarten for children aged three to five, lowering the age limit from four years. It updates the definition of "compulsory school age" to explicitly allow children as young as three to attend kindergarten without tuition, while maintaining the upper age limit at 18. The bill also adjusts transportation provisions to include free bus service for full-day kindergarten students, similar to existing rules for other grade levels. These changes directly affect public school districts, early learning programs, and families with children aged three to five.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 10, 2025 Last action Mar 10, 2025