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HD 233

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick Kearney and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a state fund to provide tuition-free universal full-day kindergarten, with reimbursement to districts and BESE oversight.

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Bill Summary · HD 233

Summary: An Act relative to tuition-free universal full-day kindergarten (HD 233)

This summary explains the bill’s purpose, key provisions, who is affected, and the timeline implications. It uses nonpartisan, plain-language language to help readers understand how the proposal would work.

Purpose and overall aim

  • Create a statewide framework to provide tuition-free universal full-day kindergarten (K) for all eligible students.
  • Establish a dedicated funding source and administrative structure to help school districts implement and maintain universal full-day K programs.
  • Align district enrollment accounting with the new program funding and reporting requirements.

Key provisions

1) Universal Full-Day Kindergarten Trust Fund

  • Establishes the Universal Full-Day Kindergarten Trust Fund (the fund) to finance tuition-free universal full-day K programs.
  • Administration: The fund is administered by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).
  • Funding sources for the fund:
    • General appropriations designated for the fund.
    • Interest earned on those funds.
    • Gifts, grants, and donations from public and private sources.
  • Non-reverting funds: Amounts that remain unexpended at the end of a fiscal year do not revert to the General Fund.
  • Uses: Funds may be used to assist cities, towns, and regional school districts that did not offer tuition-free universal full-day K as of January 1, 2021 in implementing and maintaining such programs.
  • Reimbursement: School committees may seek reimbursement from the fund for up to 100% of the costs to implement and maintain a tuition-free universal full-day K program.
  • Reporting: Annually by October 1, BESE must report fund activity to key legislators and committees, including sources of funds, recipients, and future revenue/expenditure projections.

2) Foundation enrollment changes

  • Amends the definition of “Foundation enrollment” in the state education funding framework to reflect the revised K programming and district responsibilities.
  • Reorganization of student categories: Each student counted for funding must be assigned to a category (preschool, kindergarten, elementary, etc.).

3) Definitions and program requirements (Chapter 71)

  • Introduces a precise definition of “Tuition-free universal full-day kindergarten program,” described as a universally accessible, high-quality program offered without tuition and operating for the full length of the school day for elementary schools (as defined by related statutes).
  • Districts may offer the program to all eligible students, subject to minimum daily length and school year requirements set by BESE (consistent with the standards for elementary schools under current law).
  • Tuition-free status: Districts may not charge tuition for universal full-day K.
  • Reimbursement eligibility: Districts may apply for reimbursement from the fund for the eligible costs of implementing and maintaining the program.

4) Implementation timelines and department reporting

  • Within 90 days of the act’s effective date, each district without a universal full-day K program must report to BESE on the funds needed to implement the program.
  • Within 180 days of the act’s effective date, BESE must report to legislative clerks and key committees on the funds needed to implement the program statewide.

5) Effective alignment with existing law

  • Requires BESE and districts to operate under the latest applicable provisions (including Section 4B of Chapter 71) for school years beginning after July 31, 2022, ensuring consistency with current statutory language.

Who is affected

  • School districts (cities, towns, and regional districts): Responsible for implementing universal full-day K if they choose, and for seeking reimbursement from the fund.
  • BESE: Administers the fund, oversees reimbursements, and issues annual fund activity reports; establishes program requirements (length of day, number of days).
  • Kindergarten students and families: Potentially eligible for tuition-free universal full-day K nationwide.
  • General Court and education committees: Receive annual funding and program reports and oversee the act’s implementation.

Financial and timeline implications

  • Potential for up to 100% reimbursement of program costs to districts.
  • Funds can come from multiple sources and must not revert to the General Fund if unspent.
  • Annual reporting requirement by BESE due October 1.
  • Initial district and BESE reporting deadlines: within 90 days and within 180 days of the act’s effective date.

Notes

  • The bill references similar measures previously filed and aligns with existing state education funding definitions while expanding access to full-day K.
  • The act would become effective through the listed sections and would require BESE and districts to adjust budgeting and enrollment tracking accordingly.

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

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