The bill amends Section 16-64-1 of the General Laws regarding the residency of children for school purposes in Rhode Island. It establishes that after the initial enrollment period for students in a designated attendance area, any public school with available seats must make those seats accessible to other students residing within the same school district. The bill allows school districts to maintain a certain number of seats for students who move into the district after the enrollment period.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) establish regulations within twelve months of the effective date for the identification, public posting, and equitable assignment of these open seats. This includes timelines, application processes, and lottery mechanisms if applications exceed available capacity.

The bill also states that districts may 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. Furthermore, no student shall be denied participation in the in-district 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 shall compile and publicly release this data by October 1 of each year. The act aims to ensure that all publicly funded seats are utilized effectively within school districts and will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2649: 16-64-1
2649  SUB A: 16-64-1