Bill > HB5310

This bill modifies Michigan's school aid act to establish a comprehensive open enrollment policy beginning July 1, 2026, effectively creating statewide school choice for K-12 students. The key provisions include allowing nonresident students to apply to attend any school in the state, prohibiting districts from discriminating against applicants based on various factors, and establishing a transparent process for enrollment. Districts must publish the number of available seats by May 1st each year, accept applications throughout the school year, and provide written notification of acceptance or denial within 30 days. The bill requires districts to give preference to students from the same household and create waiting lists if applications exceed available seats. Districts cannot charge tuition for nonresident students and are not required to provide transportation, though they must inform parents about transportation options. The State Board of Education must collect and publish detailed data about open enrollment, including the number of applications, acceptances, and denials. If a district denies an application or fails to respond, parents can appeal to the State Board. The legislation also repeals previous limited inter-district enrollment provisions (sections 105 and 105c) that were set to expire on July 1, 2026, replacing them with this more comprehensive open enrollment framework.