Overview
- The Landtag passed an amendment to the Kindergartengesetz that adds a third fee-free year of kindergarten, with implementation set for summer 2027.
- The state will reimburse municipalities about €28 million annually to cover the costs of the new free year.
- The law creates targeted financial aid for small institutions that care for fewer than 51 children and establishes a state structural-adjustment programme to keep rural facilities open.
- Passage depended on votes from the governing coalition (CDU, BSW, SPD) plus Die Linke, while the AfD abstained, and Die Linke had pressed for the extra year despite tight budgets.
- Parents will see direct cost relief and municipalities gain funding to stabilise local childcare, and officials say further recommendations on kindergarten quality and access are expected later this year.