Open Enrollment Bill Narrowly Passes Out Of House

The printed version of this article in the March 15 edition erroneously stated that Ron Copeland (R-Salem), who represents Crawford County in the Missouri House, voted to support the legislation when he was absent.

A bill that would allow public school students to transfer out of their home districts has narrowly passed out of the Missouri House of Representatives.

By a vote of 85-69, with one present, House members on March 8 approved HB 253.

The bill needed 82 votes to advance out of the House and onto the Senate.

HB 253 was sponsored by Rep. Brad Pollitt (R-Sedalia). 

An open enrollment bill escaped the House by 85 votes last year as well, but it was unable to get through the Senate.

Sen. Andrew Koenig (R-Manchester) also has an open enrollment bill.

Pollitt’s version would allow students to transfer out of their home districts. However, only state and federal money would follow the students to their new district.

Local money would remain with the home district.

Schools are given a choice on accepting transfers, but they cannot stop students from leaving.

Pollitt’s bill establishes that open enrollment would begin in the 2024-25 school year and cap 3 percent of the student population from transferring out.

Each district must indicate before Dec. 1 of each year whether will participate in the open enrollment program.

Students that transfer must stay in the district for a full year. Students who transfer also must sit out a year of varsity sports.

No state aid will be paid for transferring students that live less than one mile from a school, with some exceptions.