This bill focuses on improving the educational rights and record transfer processes for children in the custody of the Secretary for Children and Families in Kansas. It requires that when a child's placement changes, the Secretary must notify the relevant school districts to ensure the transfer of the child's educational records within two business days. The legislation also allows these children to attend any school district and enables them to remain enrolled in their school of origin, thereby minimizing disruptions to their education due to placement changes. Furthermore, it mandates that school districts cannot deny or delay enrollment based on the absence of educational records.

In addition to these provisions, the bill clarifies definitions related to special education and outlines the responsibilities of school districts regarding nonresident students. It establishes a framework for nonresident student enrollment, including a lottery system for oversubscribed grades, and ensures that nonresident students, particularly those in custody or experiencing homelessness, are not denied enrollment based on their records or other discriminatory factors. The bill also repeals several existing statutes, specifically K.S.A. 38-2218, 72-3439, and K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 72-3122, HB 72-3123, and 72-3124, and will take effect immediately upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 72-3439, 72-3122, 72-3123, 38-2218, 72-13, 72-3125, 72-3712, 72-3124