Senate Bill 345

Committee Chair: Ron Forster

Committee:Interstate Cooperation

House Sponsor: Earl Ehrhart

Senate Sponsor: Ed Harbison

SB 345 enacts the “Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.” The purpose of the compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployments. This compact would apply to the children of active duty members, and, for a one year period, to the children of members or veterans who are retired, medically discharged, or who die on active duty.  Specifically addressed are issues related to educational records & enrollment, placement & attendance, eligibility, graduation and general state coordination.

The bill also creates an interstate commission on educational opportunity for military children. The makeup, powers and duties, organization and operations, rulemaking, oversight, enforcement, dispute resolution, and the financing of the compact are detailed beginning on page 9 of the bill. The compact will become effective upon its adoption by at least ten states. Provisions are also made for withdrawing or dissolving the compact. Limitations on the binding effect of the compact on the member states are detailed on the last page of the bill.

Chairman Forster’s opinion of the legislation:

This bill seeks to remove the penalties on military children and the delays in achieving their educational goals by inflexible administrative and bureaucratic practices for accepting new students into public schools. Military families move on a regular basis frequently causing undue stress on military children when transitioning into a new school.

This Legislation:

• Reduces the Size of Government by reducing “Red Tape” for admission to public school for military children
• Strengthens our families by helping children of military families transition into school systems
• Reduces the Tax Burden on our Citizens by reducing the costs and the time spent by administrators determining acceptance.
• Increases Personal Responsibility by having military families involved in ensuring their children are properly enrolled in school

Further Action

This bill came to the House Floor under the Open Rule. The House adopted a floor amendment which strikes language that would require levy and collection of taxes, and language that makes the rules binding on member states. The Senate has disagreed with this amendment. The House has insisted and appointed conferees.