The proposed bill, titled "The Military Child Act," aims to support military-connected students—defined as those who are dependents of active military personnel or members of the Rhode Island National Guard—by establishing specific enrollment procedures for schools. It allows these students to be considered residents of the school district where their parent or guardian is stationed, enabling them to enroll preliminarily by remote registration without incurring charges or needing to physically appear for registration. Proof of residency will not be required at the time of remote registration but must be provided within ten days of the student's attendance in the school system. The act also ensures that students with a Section 504 plan, an individualized family service plan, or an individualized education plan can benefit from these advance enrollment policies.

Additionally, the bill introduces open enrollment provisions, allowing military-connected students to attend any school district of their choice, regardless of capacity, as long as at least one parent holds a Department of Defense-issued identification card and can provide evidence of active duty status or active duty orders. This flexibility is designed to accommodate the unique challenges faced by military families during relocations and transitions. The act will take effect upon passage.