Panel approves bill to explicitly protect part‑time students’ right to access public schools
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Summary
Legislative Services Office said the attendance bill clarifies that part‑time students have the same right to a free public education; the committee passed the bill after brief discussion on ADM and administrative logistics.
The committee advanced 26LSO198, which amends the statutory "right to attend" to explicitly include part‑time students and state that they are entitled to a free and accessible public education.
Ashley Phillips (LSO) described the single‑line addition to the attendance statute that extends rights to part‑time students beginning with the 2026‑27 school year and an act effective date of July 1, 2026. Matthew Wilmarth, LSO senior school finance analyst, told members districts already account for part‑time students in the ADM model, so the change is primarily a clarification of existing practice rather than a funding model overhaul: "The districts already account for students on a part time basis... their half ADM would be accounted for in the model and still generate the money that it is today."
Members raised administrative concerns about enrollment logistics (elementary drop‑in scenarios, scheduling and attendance tracking) and whether districts could set reasonable parameters. Representatives said such operational rules and district policies can manage attendance‑pattern issues while ensuring access.
Following brief public testimony and discussion, the committee called the roll and passed the bill.