Committee tables proposed limits on residency documents for school enrollment amid legal and practical concerns

Representative Pace introduced a bill that would restrict what school districts may accept to establish student residency, limiting acceptable documents to state or federally issued IDs (for example, a current driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID). Pace said the measure is intended to simplify residency verification and reduce reliance on utility bills or leases.

Committee members raised multiple concerns. Several members said timing to update a driver's license after a move might leave families unable to meet a document deadline; Miss Erickson cited DMV guidance that gives in‑state movers 10 days to update an address and 45 days for out‑of‑state movers, a window some members said could be too short to rely on for school enrollment. Representatives also raised concerns about military families, residents who lack ready access to birth certificates or other IDs, and the risk of chilling school enrollment by creating additional barriers.

Staff and members discussed Plyler v. Doe, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that bars denying public education to children present in the country, and noted the bill could raise legal questions about whether residency verification practices would run afoul of that precedent. Pierce and other staff said the question of how Plyler applies to residency documentation could ultimately wind up in court.

Representative Rivers moved to table the bill while members sought more information and legal guidance. The clerk recorded a roll-call vote of 7–3 in favor of tabling; the bill was tabled.