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H 618

An Act relative to tuition-free universal full-day kindergarten

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Driscoll and 3 co-sponsors

Creates a Universal Full-Day Kindergarten Trust Fund to fund tuition-free, full-day K across Massachusetts; districts may receive up to 100% reimbursement; DESE administers and reports.

Hearing scheduled for 09/02/2025 from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 618

Summary of H.618: An Act relative to tuition-free universal full-day kindergarten

Overview

H.618 proposes to establish a state funding mechanism to require and support tuition-free universal full-day kindergarten across Massachusetts. The bill creates a dedicated trust fund to provide financial aid to school districts for implementing and sustaining universal full-day kindergarten programs and sets definitions and obligations for districts, the state board, and the Legislature.

Key Provisions

  • Universal Full-Day Kindergarten Trust Fund (Section 2LLLLL, Chapter 29)

    • Creates a new fund to finance tuition-free universal full-day kindergarten.
    • Administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
    • Sources of funds include: appropriations designated to the fund, interest, and gifts/grants/donations from public or private sources.
    • Unexpended funds at the end of a fiscal year do not revert to the General Fund.
    • Funds may be expended, without further appropriation, to assist cities, towns, and regional districts in implementing and maintaining the program.
    • Local districts may request reimbursement for up to 100% of the funds required to implement and maintain the program.
    • Annual reporting due by October 1 to legislative clerks and key committees detailing sources, amounts, distributions, recipients, and projections.

  • Definitions and Program Scope (Chapter 71, new Section 3B)

    • Defines a tuition-free universal full-day kindergarten program as a universally accessible, high-quality kindergarten program offered without tuition and operating for the full length of the school day, as established for elementary schools.
    • All school districts may offer the program and must meet minimum requirements for length of day and number of school days, with no tuition charged.
    • Districts may apply for reimbursement from the Universal Full-Day Kindergarten Trust Fund.

  • Foundation Enrollment (Chapter 70, Section 2)

    • Replaces the existing definition of “Foundation enrollment” with a new definition that includes the October 1 student count for whom the district is financially responsible, categorized by grade level (preschool, kindergarten, elementary, etc.).

  • Implementation and Reporting Deadlines (Section 4)

    • Within 90 days of the act’s effective date, school committees without a universal full-day program must report the funds necessary to implement.
    • Within 180 days, DESE must report to the clerks and committees on the funds needed to implement.

  • Additional Alignment (Section 5)

    • Section 4B of Chapter 71 (relating to standards) applies to each school year beginning after July 31, 2022, ensuring alignment with existing funding/standards.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Districts and School Committees: Required to offer or transition toward tuition-free universal full-day kindergarten and could be eligible for up to 100% reimbursement from the Fund.
  • Regional School Districts and Cities/Towns: Eligible to receive assistance for program implementation and maintenance.
  • DESE: Responsible for administering the Fund, processing reimbursements, and producing annual reports.
  • Legislative Committees: Receives annual fund activity reports (revenues, expenditures, recipients, and projections).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for September 2, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM (A-2).
  • Legislative Actions: Referred to the Education Committee; Senate concurrence noted on February 27, 2025.
  • Related Measure: Similar matter previously filed (House No. 514 in 2023-2024).

Potential Impact

  • Establishes a dedicated funding stream designed to remove tuition barriers and support high-quality, full-day kindergarten across districts.
  • Encourages uniformity in program length and school-year calendars, with state-backed reimbursement to districts.
  • Requires systematic reporting to monitor fund receipts, allocations, and future revenue projections, promoting transparency and accountability.

This summary reflects the bill’s current text and stated provisions. If you’d like, I can compare H.618 to prior versions (e.g., 2023-2024 House No. 514) or outline potential fiscal implications under various funding scenarios.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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