This bill amends current law regarding intra-district public school transfers, allowing parents or guardians to apply for their children to transfer to other schools within their resident district, provided that the school has the capacity to accommodate the student. The bill removes the requirement that parents must believe the transfer is in the best interest of the student to initiate a request. Instead, it introduces a new provision that allows parents to apply for transfers to schools outside their district as well, unless the student is experiencing a manifest educational hardship. The deadline for applications is set for July 1 for the upcoming school year, and the superintendent is required to approve requests for transfers within the district unless the school cannot accommodate the student.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for handling transfer requests, including scheduling meetings with parents and considering the student's needs when determining the best interest of the student. It specifies that if a transfer to a school outside the district is deemed in the student's best interest, the superintendent will initiate the transfer and establish a tuition rate if applicable. The bill also mandates that school boards adopt policies to manage transfer requests when demand exceeds capacity. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 193:3
As Amended by the Senate: 193:3
As Amended by the House: 193:3
Version adopted by both bodies: 193:3