House Bill No. 2396 amends the Texas Education Code to enhance the process for student transfers between public schools. The bill allows students who qualify for admission to enroll at the nearest campus offering their grade level, irrespective of their residential attendance zone, as long as the campus has the capacity. It also establishes a transfer application process for students under 21, requiring school districts to admit eligible applicants until capacity is reached. In cases where applications exceed available spots, a lottery system will be used to fill positions, prioritizing certain applicants such as district residents and siblings of current students.

Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts create and maintain a policy on their websites detailing their capacity determinations and transfer policies. It requires the Texas Education Agency to conduct audits of selected districts to ensure compliance with capacity determinations and transfer applications. The legislation also includes provisions for an appeal process for denied transfer applications and emphasizes the importance of transparency and flexibility in the admissions process. The changes will take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with a study on statewide transfer trends due by September 1, 2031.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 25.001, Education Code 25.036, Education Code 34.007 (Education Code 34, Education Code 25)