The proposed 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. Additionally, the bill stipulates that enrollment should occur on a first-come, first-served basis if capacity allows, and it requires local school boards to report annual enrollment data to the public education department, which will then publish this information on its website.

Key changes in the bill include the insertion of provisions that allow for appeals against enrollment denials, specifying that only a lack of capacity or certain behavioral grounds can justify such denials. The bill also emphasizes the need for local school boards to establish and communicate enrollment preferences while ensuring that military families can enroll their children prior to their physical relocation. Furthermore, it introduces a requirement for local school boards to report detailed enrollment data, including reasons for denials, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in the enrollment process.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-1-4