HB 24-1361

House Bill 24-1361, known as the School District Open Enrollment Transparency Act, aims to make it easier for parents and guardians to understand their options when enrolling their children in different schools within or outside their school district. The bill requires the state board of education to create a model policy by December 15, 2024, which will outline clear guidelines on timelines, processes, and transparency measures related to open enrollment. This includes information about student eligibility, school capacity, and transportation resources. Additionally, it mandates that the Colorado Department of Education report annually to state officials on the number and location of students who use open enrollment options and how many applications are denied. Since this bill has been signed into law, school districts will now have clear guidelines to follow when implementing their own policies for open enrollment, making the process more transparent and consistent for families.

Official Summary

Current law permits a student to apply for open enrollment in particular programs and schools within the student's district and in schools and programs in other school districts. The bill requires the state board of education (state board) to adopt a model policy on or before December 15, 2024, to promote clarity and consistency for parents, custodians, and legal guardians as they assess school enrollment options. The model policy must include timelines and processes for the school or program application, timelines for student notification of acceptance or denial determinations, and open enrollment transparency measures for student eligibility, school capacity, and transportation resources. The bill allows school districts to adopt, publicize, and implement policies and procedures for open enrollment that are consistent with the state board model policy. The bill requires the department of education to annually report to the general assembly, governor, and state board on the number and geographic location of students exercising an open enrollment option and on open enrollment application denials. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)