The proposed bill would amend the definition of "resident transfer pupil" in section 15-816 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Currently, a "resident transfer pupil" is defined as a resident pupil enrolled in or seeking enrollment in a school within the school district but outside their attendance area. The bill would expand this definition to include pupils whose residences are located on tribal land and outside any school district boundaries, provided they are enrolled in or seeking enrollment in one of the three closest school districts. The determination of the closest school districts would be based on the shortest distance from the pupil's residence to the district boundaries.

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 insertion aims to clarify the context in which the new definition of "resident transfer pupil" applies, ensuring that pupils from tribal lands have access to educational opportunities in nearby school districts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-816