The bill SB 101-FN amends existing laws to establish open enrollment policies for public schools in New Hampshire, allowing parents to enroll their children in any public school regardless of their resident district. Key changes include the insertion of language that mandates students transferring from their resident district to be included in the Average Daily Membership Report (ADMR) of their resident school district. The bill also introduces a limited exemption from the parental consent requirement for certain assessments and school-sponsored events that are open to the public. Additionally, it modifies the definition of "legal resident" to indicate that residency is determined by being domiciled in the state rather than a specific school district, and it clarifies that residency disputes will only consider whether the child is a resident of the state.

Furthermore, the bill requires each school district to establish an open enrollment policy, allowing transfers among schools within the district or from other districts in the state or neighboring states with an interstate compact. It mandates that school districts publicly post the capacity of each school and grade level and report annually on transfer applications and outcomes. The funding structure for students attending open enrollment schools is also modified, requiring sending districts to pay receiving districts between 80% and 100% of the average cost per pupil. The bill retains the responsibility of the resident school district for funding and educational decisions for children with disabilities transferring to a new school. It is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with certain sections regarding parental rights taking effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 193:12, 194-D:1, 194-D:2, 194-D:5, 194-D:7
As Amended by the Senate: 193:12, 194-D:1, 194-D:2, 194-D:5, 194-D:7, 189-B:2, 189-B:4
As Amended by the Senate (2nd): 193:12, 194-D:1, 194-D:2, 194-D:5, 194-D:7, 189-B:2, 189-B:4