Senate Bill No. 686 aims to improve the student transfer process between public schools in Texas by implementing new reporting requirements and clarifying existing regulations. A new section, 7.0611, requires each school district to annually report detailed information about their facilities, including square footage, student capacity, and usage, which will be compiled into a public report by the agency. The bill also clarifies that local innovation plans cannot exempt districts from student transfer and admission requirements, ensuring these regulations remain in effect. Additionally, it revises the transfer process for students under 21, mandating that districts admit eligible transfer applicants until capacity is reached, establishing a lottery system for filling available positions, and creating a waitlist for applicants not admitted.

Moreover, the bill requires school districts to determine and publicly post the capacity of each campus and grade level before each semester, and to adopt a written policy for the admission of transfer applicants that includes a transfer application form and information on transportation options. It also establishes reporting and audit requirements, mandating districts to submit annual reports on transfer applications, which the Texas Education Agency will post and audit. The bill repeals certain existing provisions of the Education Code while ensuring that changes do not affect existing agreements related to military children or the University Interscholastic League's rules. The new regulations are set to take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 25.001, Education Code 25.035, Education Code 25.036 (Education Code 25)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 25.001, Education Code 25.035, Education Code 25.036 (Education Code 25)
Engrossed: Education Code 25.001, Education Code 25.035, Education Code 25.036 (Education Code 25)