SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5603

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of February 7, 2019

Title: An act relating to enrollment and course registration access for children of military families.

Brief Description: Concerning enrollment and course registration access for children of military families.

Sponsors: Senators Randall, Wilson, C., Rolfes, O'Ban, Conway, Cleveland, Das, Zeiger, Hobbs, Kuderer and Nguyen.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/08/19.

Brief Summary of Bill

Provides that children of military families will comply with school district residency requirements if their parent is transferred or pending transfer to a military installation in the state while on active military duty.
Requires school districts to conditionally accept applications for enrollment and course registration by electronic means in such circumstances.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Staff: Alex Fairfortune (786-7416)

Background: The Legislature enacted the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children in 2009 to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families due to frequent moves and deployment of their parents. One stated purpose of the compact is facilitating the timely enrollment of children of military families and ensuring they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty from transfering education records or variations in entrance and age requirements. The compact does not address residency requirements.

Proof of residency shows that a student lives within the service area of a school district. Each school district decides what proof of residency it will accept, such as a rental agreement, utility bill, or driver's license. If a child has no regular, fixed address, but lives within the school district in a temporary shelter, institution, or place not ordinarily used as a residence, the school district may accept an alternative form of address it considers appropriate.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute): Children of military families will comply with the residency requirements in a school district if their parent is transferred, or pending transfer, to a military installation in the state while on active military duty pursuant to an official military order. In such circumstances, the school district must conditionally accept applications for enrollment and course registration by electronic means. The child's parent must provide proof of residency in the school district within fourteen days of published arrival, as provided on official documentation, before enrollment is finalized. Addresses for temporary on-base billeting facilities, off-base military housing, or a purchased or leased home may be used to prove residency.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.