If enacted, this bill would amend the definition of "resident transfer pupil" in Arizona's open enrollment statutes. Currently, the definition includes only those 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 residences are on tribal land and outside any school district boundaries, provided they are enrolled in or seeking enrollment in a school within one of the three closest school districts to their residence. The determination of the closest school districts would be based on the shortest distance from the pupil's residence to the boundaries of each school district.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition for "tribal land," specifying it as lands owned or held by a federally recognized Indian tribe, nation, band, or community, including reservation lands, allotment lands, or other sovereign or proprietary lands. This update aims to ensure that students living on tribal lands have access to educational opportunities in nearby school districts, thereby enhancing educational equity for these populations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-816
House Engrossed Version: 15-816