This bill amends existing law to allow parents or guardians to transfer their children to other public schools, public academies, or approved private schools within their resident district, provided that these schools have the capacity to accommodate the student. The previous requirement that parents must demonstrate that a transfer is in the best interest of the student has been removed. Instead, the bill stipulates that parents can apply for a transfer to another specific school within the district or to a school outside the district, with the latter requiring a demonstration of a manifest educational hardship if the request is made after July 1 for the upcoming school year.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for transferring students, including the superintendent's responsibilities in evaluating transfer requests based on school capacity and the student's needs. If a transfer is deemed appropriate, the superintendent will initiate the necessary changes, including establishing tuition rates for transfers to schools outside the district. The bill also mandates that school boards adopt policies to manage transfer requests when demand exceeds capacity. The effective date for these changes 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
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 193:3