A bill introduced in the Michigan Senate by Dayna Polehanki, a Democrat from Livonia, would make kindergarten mandatory in the state.
School enrollment currently isn't mandatory for Michigan students until first grade.
Supporters of the bill said the goal is to improve academic achievement and address chronic absenteeism.
“We want to send a signal that we value early education here in Michigan — we value it enough to make kindergarten mandatory," Polehanki said.
"We're going try to make it as accessible for everyone to get their kid into some sort of good quality kindergarten programming, whether it's at home, or in a private setting, or in a public setting, or half-day or full-day,” said Polehanki.
Some Republicans have said they want more details on how the legislation would affect homeschooled students.
If passed, the bill wouldn't take effect until the 2025-2026 school year.
