The bill aims to enhance enrollment accessibility in public schools by prohibiting discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, or residential address. It mandates that local school boards determine the capacity of each public school by grade level and requires them to post the number of vacancies at least every twelve weeks. If capacity allows, schools must enroll applicants on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the year. Additionally, the bill stipulates that local school boards must report annual enrollment data to the public education department, which will then publish this information on its website.

Key provisions include the establishment of a process for appealing enrollment denials, which can only be based on a school's lack of capacity or specific grounds outlined in the bill. The bill also allows local school boards to adopt rules for enrollment preferences while ensuring that these do not violate the non-discrimination clause. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of accommodating military families relocating to New Mexico, allowing them to enroll their children in public schools prior to their physical presence in the district.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-1-4