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Minutes for HB2102 - Committee on Education
Short Title
Providing for the advance enrollment of military students whose parent or person acting as parent will be stationed in this state.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 4, 2025
Chairwoman Estes opened the hearing on HB2102 and recognized Jason Long, Senior Assistant Revisor, Office of Revisor of Statutes who presented an overview of the bill amendment. (Attachment 1).
Chairwoman Estes recognized Dr. Frank Harwood, Deputy commissioner of Fiscal and Administrative Services, Kansas State Board of Education, who was not a conferee for this meeting, and asked if he could address the normal practice and whether or not this would make processes easier for school districts.
Proponents Testifying In Person for HB2102 included:
Representative Mari-Lynn Poskin stated this legislation would prevent military families from being hindered by missing spring deadlines for programs and course enrollment when they know they are moving to Kansas, but do not physically arrive until these deadlines have passed. (Attachment 2), (Attachment 3), (Attachment 4).
Lt. Col. Keith Marshall stated the topic of this bill is a priority of the Department of Defense to see states and school districts adopt laws and policies that allow the smoothest transition possible for military children when moving and beginning at a new school. (Attachment 5).
Michael Kelly stated the provisions of this bill for advanced enrollment of military students removes a barrier for military families and will make the military change-of-station process go more smoothly. (Attachment 6).
Michelle Richart stated the intent is not to offer an advantage or priority over other students, but simply to provide military families access to educational programs and courses at the same time as their in-state peers. (Attachment 7).
Chairwoman recognized Dr. Frank Harwood to explain the records release process and interstate electronic records.
Tara Fields stated there are major barriers that exist not just for military children. but in particular to IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and 504 plans (a formal plan developed by schools to provide support for students with disabilities), which are additional barriers for military families during the Permanent Change of Station process. (Attachment 8).
Proponent Conferees submitting written-only testimony included:
Shannon Kimball (Attachment 9).
Meeting adjourned at 2:25 p.m.
