Bill > HB6292

This bill amends the State School Aid Act of 1979 to modify the rules around school choice and enrollment of nonresident students. The key provisions of this bill are: - Sections 105 and 105c, which currently allow districts to accept nonresident students from the same or a contiguous intermediate district, will expire on July 1, 2025. - Starting on July 1, 2025, Section 105d establishes a new statewide open enrollment policy where districts must accept applications from nonresident students and cannot deny enrollment based on certain factors like ability, disability, age, or district of residence. Districts can only deny enrollment if the student was previously suspended, expelled, or convicted of a felony. - Districts must determine and publish the number of seats available for nonresident students by May 1 each year. They must accept applications throughout the year and enroll students if seats are available. - The State Board of Education is required to collect and publish data on open enrollment, including the number of seats available, transfer applications, and denials. The Board must also provide an annual report to the legislature. - The bill removes the provision that allowed districts to charge higher tuition for nonresident students enrolled in grades not offered by the student's home district. In summary, this bill establishes a new statewide open enrollment policy to increase school choice options for students, with oversight and reporting requirements to promote transparency.