This bill amends Section 33-5206 of the Idaho Code to revise the admissions procedures for public charter schools. Key changes include the introduction of a new admission preference for children in foster care, as defined in section 16-1602 of the Idaho Code, and for children of families with at least one parent or legal guardian who is on active duty or reserve duty. The bill also clarifies that if initial capacity is insufficient, preference will be given in a specific order, including children of founders, siblings of selected pupils, and the newly included groups. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that public charter schools must conduct their selection process in a public setting and notify applicants of their admission status within a specified timeframe.

The bill also establishes that public charter schools may weight their lottery systems to give preference to educationally disadvantaged students, such as those living at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, homeless students, and students with disabilities. Furthermore, it allows children of full-time employees of the charter school to be included in the first priority group for admission. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 33-5206