Nov. 08, 2023
HARRISBURG – Rep. Milou Mackenzie (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton) has proudly announced the signing into law of new legislation aimed at ensuring fair education enrollment for children of transferring military families. Mackenzie was a prime co-sponsor of the House bill and the prime sponsor of similar legislation during the previous session.
“I am extremely grateful that Gov. Shapiro signed my bill into law earlier this week. I have been advocating for military school children in Pennsylvania to have an easier time transitioning into our Commonwealth schools since 2020 when I first came into office,” said Mackenzie. “My bill originally, House Bill 1813 during the last legislative session fell just short of getting to the desk of Gov. Wolf. When introducing it this session, I was happy to have Rep. Munroe join me as a co-sponsor. I know he is equally elated to see
House Bill 1094 has become the law in Pennsylvania. We shared the desire to ease the burden on military families, as they sacrifice so much while serving our nation.”
Under the new law, a school district will develop a policy or revise an existing policy on enrollment of students to allow a child whose parent or legal guardian is an active-duty or reserve member of the armed forces of the United States to have advance enrollment. Proof under this subsection may include a signed contract to purchase a home, a signed lease agreement or a statement from the parent or legal guardian stating their intention to move into the school district.
Previously under the law, families were required to provide current proof of residency for school enrollment. This left students from transferring military families ineligible to register on time for classes, enroll in specialized academic programs or submit their names for charter or magnet schools until they physically resided within the district boundaries. This legislation will benefit an estimated 185,000 military students who transfer between schools annually.
Rep. Milou Mackenzie
131st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
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