Committee introduces bill changing charter school enrollment priority for active-duty military families

Representative David Levitt, of Legislative District 25 (Twin Falls), introduced RS 32,420 to the House Committee on Education, saying the measure alters an existing charter school enrollment priority to place active-duty military personnel third in line.

"This is a legislation ... that prioritizes active duty military personnel in getting their children into charter schools," Representative David Levitt said, adding that the change addresses concerns that siblings had been bumped under the prior priority order. "It's changed the priority where military service members are now third in priority and that is the only change that's been made."

The committee considered an initial motion to introduce RS 32,420 and then an alternate motion to introduce the measure and place it on the House second-reading calendar. Representative Marmon moved the alternate motion. After brief discussion and thanks from Representative Harris for the adjustment, the committee voted by voice and the motion carried.

Committee members and the chair clarified that the change is technical and that the bill had already received a public hearing; the chair said there was not a substantive change to the bill beyond the priority tweak. The committee therefore recommended the bill be sent to the House floor and placed on the second-reading calendar.

Next steps: RS 32,420 was introduced by the committee and forwarded to the House second-reading calendar for further consideration.