Bill > HB464

This bill amends the New Mexico school enrollment law to strengthen and clarify the process for public school enrollment. The bill prohibits public schools from denying enrollment to school-age students based on race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, or residential address. It requires local school boards to determine the capacity of each public school by grade level and post the number of vacancies on their website at least every twelve weeks. Schools must enroll students throughout the year on a first-come, first-served basis when capacity allows. The bill limits the grounds for denying enrollment to specific circumstances, such as recent expulsion or behavior detrimental to school safety. It also provides an appeals process for parents whose children are denied enrollment, with the state education secretary making a final determination. Additionally, local school boards can establish limited enrollment preferences, such as enrolling children of school employees and siblings of current students. The bill mandates that local school boards report detailed enrollment data annually to the state Public Education Department, which must then publish this information on its website, promoting transparency in the school enrollment process.

Education

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=464&year=25