The proposed bill, titled "The Military Child Act," aims to support military-connected students—defined as dependents of active military personnel or members of the Rhode Island National Guard—by establishing specific enrollment procedures for schools. The act allows military-connected students whose parent or guardian is being relocated to Rhode Island under military orders to be deemed residents of the school district where the military installation is located. This enables them to enroll preliminarily by remote registration without charge, without the need for physical appearance 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 advance enrollment policies apply to students with a Section 504 plan, an individualized family service plan, or an individualized education plan.

Additionally, the bill introduces open enrollment provisions, allowing military-connected students to attend any school district of their choice, regardless of the district's capacity, provided that 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.