This bill amends various sections of Alaska's education laws to enhance open enrollment policies, charter school operations, and special education services. Key changes include allowing children of school age to attend public schools without tuition in their resident district and, upon application, in schools outside their district, subject to capacity and district policies. Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts publish enrollment policies and data online, and it establishes a new process for charter school applications, including provisions for appeals against denials of charter school contracts and renewals.

The bill also introduces a reading proficiency incentive grant for students in grades K-6 who meet specific reading performance criteria and requires school districts to adopt policies regulating the use of wireless telecommunications devices during school hours. Other amendments include increasing the base student allocation to $6,520 and clarifying the responsibilities of school districts in providing special education services to students attending schools outside their resident districts. The effective date for these changes is set for 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