The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend the definition of "resident transfer pupil" in Arizona Revised Statutes section 15-816. Currently, the definition includes only resident pupils who are enrolled in or seeking enrollment in a school within their school district but outside their attendance area. The bill would expand this definition to include pupils whose residence is located on tribal land and who are enrolled in or seeking enrollment in a school within one of the three closest school districts to their residence, excluding the school district in which they reside. Additionally, the bill specifies that the closest school districts are determined by calculating the shortest distance from the pupil's residence to the boundaries of each school district.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new definition for "tribal land," which encompasses lands owned or held by federally recognized Indian tribes, nations, bands, or communities, including reservation lands, allotment lands, or any other capacity. This update aims to ensure that tribal students have access to open enrollment opportunities in nearby school districts, thereby enhancing educational options for these pupils.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-816