Bill > HB2534

This bill amends existing law to promote educational stability for children of military families by clarifying residency requirements for school enrollment. It specifies that a child of a military family meets residency requirements if their parent is on active duty, called to active duty, or has received notice of an impending call to active duty, and the child relocates to Washington due to the parent's transfer to a military installation within Washington, a bordering state, or due to a military exigency like overseas deployment. Parents must provide official military orders or similar documentation to confirm the directed move. While proof of residence in the school district is still required, the timeframe for providing it is extended to 90 calendar days from enrollment, and acceptable proof includes temporary lodging within the district where permanent housing is expected, a purchased or leased residence, or any federal government housing. The bill also allows school districts to accept enrollment applications and course registrations conditionally from military families before the child arrives, with maximum flexibility in submission methods, and requires districts to finalize enrollment upon verification of the necessary documentation. Furthermore, for children with existing individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans from another state, school districts must accept their educational records, provide comparable services without unreasonable delay, and conduct evaluations if necessary as expeditiously as practicable. Finally, it clarifies that nonresident school districts are not obligated to provide transportation for these students unless otherwise mandated by law.