The bill amends Section 11-8B-1 of the New Mexico Statutes to correct a reference to a provision in the United States Code concerning the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. This compact is designed to enhance educational opportunities for children of military families by addressing challenges related to frequent relocations and parental deployments. The bill includes provisions for timely enrollment, appropriate educational placement, participation in extracurricular activities, and the transfer of educational records, while also ensuring on-time graduation for military children. It establishes definitions for key terms and emphasizes the need for flexibility in educational placements, mandating the creation of a state council to coordinate efforts among various stakeholders.

Additionally, the bill outlines the structure and operational procedures of the Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, detailing the roles of representatives from military and educational organizations. It grants the commission powers to enforce compliance, resolve disputes, and collect data on educational transitions for military children. The bill mandates annual audits and requires that the compact becomes effective upon enactment by at least ten states, with provisions for non-member states to participate non-voting. It also specifies the withdrawal process for member states and includes severability provisions to ensure the compact's integrity. Overall, the bill aims to create a coordinated interstate approach to improve educational opportunities for military children.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 11-8B-1
Final Version: 11-8B-1