Bill

H 523

An Act to achieve universal pre-kindergarten

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tony Cabral and 1 co-sponsor

Bill H 523 ensures all Massachusetts children aged 3-4 access quality pre-kindergarten, enhancing education readiness and supporting families through expanded early education.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means

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Bill Summary · H 523

Summary of Bill H 523: An Act to Achieve Universal Pre-Kindergarten

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 523 aims to establish a framework for achieving universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The legislation seeks to ensure that every child aged 3 and 4 has access to quality pre-kindergarten education, thereby enhancing early childhood education and promoting educational readiness.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant provisions, including:

Establishment of the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Commission

Commission Formation: A special commission will be created to investigate and study the expansion of universal pre-kindergarten.
Membership: The commission will be chaired by the commissioner of the Department of Early Education and Care, with additional members appointed by the governor, the speaker of the house, and the senate president. Members will include representatives from various educational sectors, including Head Start, private preschools, teachers' unions, and school superintendents.

Reporting Requirements

Deadline for Findings: The commission must report its findings and any necessary legislation to key stakeholders, including the governor and legislative committees, by December 31, 2026.
Report Contents: The report will analyze:
- Strategies for expanding pre-kindergarten offerings.
- Funding mechanisms for the expansion.
- Optimal ratios and combinations of different pre-kindergarten program types.
- Recommendations for high-quality educational curricula and safety standards.

Funding for Pre-Kindergarten Expansion

Funding Source: The bill stipulates that excess funds from the Convention Center Fund will be allocated to the Department of Early Education and Care for the sole purpose of expanding pre-kindergarten offerings.
Annual Transfer: This transfer must occur no later than June 30 of each year.

Impact

The implementation of this bill is expected to:
- Provide access to pre-kindergarten education for all eligible children in Massachusetts.
- Enhance educational readiness and developmental outcomes for children.
- Offer financial benefits for families through increased employment opportunities as a result of accessible early education.
- Foster collaboration among various educational programs, including Head Start and public schools, to create a comprehensive pre-kindergarten system.

Legislative Status

Introduced: February 27, 2025
Current Status: The bill has been reported favorably by the committee and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee as of November 17, 2025.
Upcoming Hearing: A hearing is scheduled for September 2, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Related Legislation

This bill replaces House Docket No. 1261, which was filed in the previous legislative session.

This summary provides an overview of Bill H 523, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and potential impacts on early childhood education in Massachusetts.

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