MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — A bill to require all Alabama 5 year olds to attend kindergarten sparked debate in the house, Thursday.

The bill is expected to increase the average attendance for public kindergarten by an estimated 4,800 students, annually.

Republican representative, Andrew Sorrell, spoke in opposition to the bill.

He says the legislation is “an assault on freedom” which could pave the way for future laws mandating pre-k.

Representatives stood in applause after voting 91-11 for the bill.

The legislation now moves to the Senate.