The Governor wasted no time before signing this one into law. HB 1597 permits the children of military personnel to attend school in the district where the parent has been transferred to a military installation that is either in or adjacent to the school district. This amends Texas Education Code 25.001 which is our basic statute about residency and school attendance. Here is the specific new language:
A person whose parent or guardian is an active-duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, may establish residency for purposes of Subsection (b) by providing to the school district a copy of a military order requiring the parent’s or guardian’s transfer to a military installation in or adjacent to the district’s attendance zone. T.E.C. 25.001(c-1).
The statute goes on to require the parent to provide proof of residence not later than the 10th day after the arrival specified in the order. “Residence” is defined to include “military temporary lodging facility.”
Charter operators are also affected by this new law. It adds one more section of the Education Code that will now apply to charters—Section 25.001 regarding the establishment of residency.
DAWG BONE: DOES A “TEMPORARY LODGING FACILITY” INCLUDE A TENT?
Tomorrow: new wrinkle on child abuse laws.