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 for filling any available spots if demand exceeds capacity. Additionally, districts must maintain a waiting list for applicants who are not admitted.

Moreover, the bill imposes new responsibilities on school districts regarding the determination and public posting of campus capacities, as well as the creation of a written policy for admitting transfer applicants. It prohibits districts from denying admission to students within their attendance zones to prioritize transfer applicants and allows for appeals against transfer application denials. The Texas Education Agency is tasked with auditing capacity determinations and transfer applications to ensure accurate reporting, and the bill mandates annual reporting from school districts on transfer statistics. The changes will take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with a study on statewide transfer trends required to be published 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)