This bill amends Section 16-64-1 of the General Laws regarding the residency of children for school purposes in Rhode Island. It establishes that, except as provided by law or agreement, a child shall be enrolled in the school of their residence. The bill mandates that each school district must ensure that any public school with available seats, after the initial enrollment period for students residing in the designated attendance area, shall make those seats available to other students residing within the same school district.

The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) is tasked with establishing regulations within twelve months of the bill's effective date to govern the identification, public posting, and equitable assignment of these open seats. This includes setting timelines, application processes, and lottery mechanisms when applications exceed available capacity.

Additionally, the bill allows districts to give enrollment priority to siblings of currently enrolled students, students requiring specialized programs not offered elsewhere, or students residing nearest to the school, provided that such priorities are applied consistently and transparently. It also prohibits discrimination in the open seat process based on race, ethnicity, language status, disability, or socioeconomic status.

Districts are required to report annually to RIDE on the number of available seats, applications received, and placements made under this subsection. RIDE must compile and publicly release this data by October 1 of each year. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7900: 16-64-1