This bill amends Section 33-5206 of the Idaho Code to revise the admission procedures for public charter schools. Key changes include the establishment of a lottery or random selection method for initial admissions, with specific preferences for certain groups such as children of founders, siblings of selected pupils, and students from military families. The bill also allows for the weighting of the lottery to favor educationally disadvantaged students, including those living below the poverty line, homeless students, and those with disabilities. Additionally, it mandates that the selection process be conducted publicly and within a specified timeframe, ensuring transparency in admissions.

The bill also clarifies that public charter schools must notify applicants of their admission status within seven days of the selection process and allows schools to increase enrollment if they exceed their projected student count, provided a waitlist exists. The legislation emphasizes non-discrimination in admissions and requires public charter schools to comply with federal and state laws regarding student rights. An emergency clause is included, making the act effective on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 33-5206