The bill HB 741-FN amends existing laws to enhance school choice in New Hampshire by allowing parents to enroll their children in any public school outside their resident district. Key changes include modifying the introductory paragraph of RSA 193:1, I to require parents to ensure their children attend "a public school" instead of being restricted to "the public school to which the child is assigned in the child's resident district." Additionally, the definition of "legal resident" in RSA 193:12, III is updated to clarify that a legal resident is someone domiciled in the state, not limited to the specific school district. The bill also establishes an open enrollment policy for each school district, allowing students to transfer among schools within the district or from other districts, and mandates annual reporting on transfer applications and outcomes.

Further provisions of the bill eliminate the requirement that only chartered public schools can be open enrollment schools, remove application fees, and prioritize admission for military-connected students. It also specifies that schools cannot reject applicants based on criteria such as grade or age levels and ensures transportation for students residing in the receiving district. The bill outlines that there will be no tuition charges for students attending public schools, with the resident district responsible for paying a specified amount to the receiving district for transferring students. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and while the fiscal impact remains indeterminable due to uncertain student enrollment patterns, the Department of Education has been consulted regarding its implications.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 193:12, 194-D:1, 194-D:2, 194-D:5, 194-D:7
As Amended by the House: 193:12, 194-D:1, 194-D:2, 194-D:5, 194-D:7