This bill amends various sections of Alaska's education laws to enhance open enrollment policies, charter school operations, and the provision of special education services. Key changes include allowing children to attend public schools outside their resident district upon application, subject to capacity limitations and district policies. It mandates that school districts publish enrollment policies and data online, and it establishes a new process for charter school applications, including the ability to submit applications year-round. Additionally, the bill introduces a reading proficiency incentive grant for students in grades K-6 and updates the base student allocation to $6,520.

Further amendments focus on charter school contracts, specifying that they can be renewed and detailing the conditions under which a charter school contract may be terminated or not renewed. The bill also requires local school boards to provide written notice and an opportunity to address deficiencies before termination. It includes provisions for the use of wireless telecommunications devices in schools, ensuring that policies are shared with stakeholders and allowing exceptions for medical or educational purposes. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
HB0204A, AM HB 204, introduced 04/22/2025: 14.03.080, 14.14.110, 14.14.120, 14.03.120, 14.30.420, 14.03.123, 14.03.250, 14.03.255, 14.03.253, 14.03.256, 14.03.290, 14.03.260, 14.17.410, 14.17.420, 14.17.505, 14.03.275, 14.17.430, 14.17.400, 14.17.470, 14.30.010, 14.20.020, 14.45.100, 14.45.200, 14.03.160, 14.30.045, 14.30.186, 47.14.990, 47.12.990, 14.30.180, 14.30.350