The Lottery Preference for Families Impacted by School Closures Amendment Act of 2026 aims to provide a preference in the District's annual school lottery for students who have been affected by school closures. This legislation mandates that District public charter schools must offer this preference to applicants who attended a school that was closed during the current or immediately preceding school year. The bill recognizes the challenges faced by families when schools close abruptly, as seen in the case of Eagle Academy PCS, which closed shortly before the school year began, leaving families with limited options for enrollment.

The bill amends section 2206 of the District of Columbia School Reform Act of 1995 to include a new provision that defines a "Closed School" and establishes eligibility criteria for the admission preference. Specifically, it allows students from closed charter schools or District of Columbia Public Schools to receive priority in the lottery process. This preference will be applicable in the current lottery year if the closure announcement occurs during the lottery period; otherwise, it will be available in the following lottery year. The legislation aims to mitigate the long-term negative impacts of school closures on students' educational outcomes.