The bill seeks to amend Section 16-28-60 of the Code of Alabama 1975, concerning the enrollment of children of active duty military personnel in public K-12 schools. The amendment includes provisions for the remote enrollment of special needs children of active duty military personnel. It outlines that a student, who is not a resident of the state, may register to enroll in a public K-12 school by remote means if a parent or legal guardian is on active military duty and is transferred or pending transfer to a military installation in Alabama. The bill requires the parent or legal guardian to provide a copy of the official military orders and complete the necessary enrollment forms, with proof of residency to be provided upon the student's arrival in the state.
The bill also includes new language that mandates local boards of education to take necessary steps for transferring special needs students with a Section 504 plan, an individualized family service plan, or an individualized education plan. This includes transferring records, performing reevaluations if necessary, and ensuring comparable services are in place upon the child's arrival in the state. If a reevaluation is deemed necessary, it must occur within 30 calendar days after the date of arrival, subject to informed parental consent as per the State Board of Education's rules. Additionally, the bill ensures that students enrolling under this section have the same opportunities for school assignment, course selection, special education services, and sporting activities as resident students. The act is set to become effective on July 1, 2024.