The bill aims to enhance educational stability for children of military families by amending existing laws and adding new provisions. A new section is introduced that mandates school districts to allow students in transition—those whose active duty parent is required to change residence due to military orders—to remain enrolled in their current school until the end of the school year. Additionally, if a student's parent ends their active duty status during the school year, the student can continue attending their current school until graduation if they are in grades nine through twelve. The bill clarifies that nonresident school districts are not obligated to provide transportation unless required by state or federal law.

Furthermore, the bill amends RCW 28A.225.216 to streamline residency requirements for military families, allowing them to provide proof of residence within 14 days of arrival at a military installation. It also specifies that if a suitable residence is unavailable for more than 14 but fewer than 90 days, the child can still enroll in the local school district. The amendments also include a provision that requires school districts to release students who are children of military families to nonresident districts that agree to accept them, thereby facilitating their educational needs. Definitions related to military families and active duty status are also clarified to ensure consistency across the law.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.705.010, 28A.225.220