This bill amends existing law to expand the ability of parents or guardians to transfer their children to other schools, specifically including schools within school administrative units (SAUs). The new legal language allows parents to apply for school transfers not only to schools within their district but also to those within the SAU. The bill also introduces provisions for the approval or disapproval of these transfers by the superintendent or the provider of superintendent services, based on the best interests of the student. Key insertions include the definition of "provider of superintendent services" and the inclusion of SAUs in the transfer process, while the language that previously limited transfers to within the district has been modified to encompass SAUs.

Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for requesting school transfers, including the requirement for meetings between parents and superintendents, the criteria for determining the best interests of the student, and the responsibilities regarding tuition and transportation. It 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, 2026. The fiscal impact of the bill is currently undetermined as the Office of Legislative Budget Assistant is awaiting further information from the Department of Education.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 193:3, 194-C:4
SB579 text: 193:3, 194-C:4