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, provided certain conditions are met, such as capacity limitations and prioritization of siblings. Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts publish detailed enrollment information on their websites and establishes a new process for charter school applications, including the ability to submit applications year-round. It also introduces a new section on wireless telecommunications device policies, requiring districts to adopt regulations regarding the use of personal devices during school hours.

Further amendments include an increase in the base student allocation to $6,520, the introduction of reading proficiency incentive grants for students in grades K-6, and the establishment of a clear process for charter school contract renewals and terminations, including the right to appeal decisions made by local school boards. The bill also clarifies 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