AN ACT to direct the department of public instruction to study how local school administrative units can allow students to attend any school within the local school administrative unit in which the student is domiciled.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  The Department of Public Instruction (Department) shall study how local school administrative units can allow students to attend any school within the local school administrative unit in which the student is domiciled, other than the assigned base school. The study shall include, at a minimum, the following:

(1)        A review of existing voluntary open enrollment and freedom of choice plans.

(2)        Considerations for implementing mandatory open enrollment plans, including:

a.         The number of enrollment periods a mandatory open enrollment plan should have in a year.

b.         Types of application processes for mandatory open enrollment plans.

c.         How school capacity issues should be addressed and communicated to parents, including waitlist options.

d.         Transportation options for students when they choose a school other than their assigned base school.

e.         Reasons that would let a local school administrative unit deny a request under a mandatory open enrollment plan.

f.          Any appeals processes that would be available for denials of requests of school assignment under a mandatory open enrollment plan.

(3)        Any other information deemed relevant by the Department.

SECTION 2.  The Department shall report its findings, including any recommended legislation, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee, by April 15, 2026.

SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.