MS HB218

Allows parents of children living more than 30 miles from their assigned school to transfer the child to a nearer school in an adjacent district without requiring a formal petition to the school board.

Requires parents to submit only proof of residence and distance measurements showing the child's residence exceeds 30 miles from the assigned school and is closer to the alternative school.

Permits receiving school districts to reject transfers only if insufficient space exists; districts may alternatively offer another closer school of appropriate grade level within the district.

Requires accepting districts to submit capacity statements to the State Department of Education and fill available seats on a first-come, first-serve basis for students without disciplinary infractions.

Directs the State Department of Education to develop a standardized tool for local school districts to calculate and lay out transportation routes uniformly.