The bill amends the Education Code to enhance the process for student transfers between public schools in Texas. It 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 to accommodate them. The bill establishes a structured process for transfer applications, requiring school districts to admit eligible students until capacity is reached and to utilize a lottery system if demand exceeds available spots. Additionally, it mandates that school districts determine and publicly post their campus capacities and develop written policies for managing transfer applications, including provisions for appealing denials.

Moreover, the bill introduces new requirements for school districts regarding the management of student transfers and capacity reporting. Each district must create and maintain a transfer policy, which will be accessible on the agency's website, and the commissioner is responsible for implementing rules to facilitate these policies. School districts are also required to submit annual reports on transfer applications and demographic data, while the Texas Education Agency will conduct audits to ensure compliance. The bill further modifies existing laws on public school transportation, allowing districts to transport students from outside their boundaries under specific conditions, and sets a deadline for a statewide study on transfer trends by September 1, 2031. The changes are set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with the possibility of immediate enactment if a two-thirds majority is achieved in both legislative houses.

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