RI S2649

Requires school districts to make available seats at any public school open to all students within the same district after the initial enrollment period for the designated attendance area is completed.

Directs the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) to establish regulations within 12 months governing identification, public posting, and equitable assignment of open seats, including application processes and lottery mechanisms.

Permits districts to give enrollment priority to siblings of current students, students needing specialized programs not offered elsewhere, or students living nearest to the school.

Prohibits denying students participation in the open seat process based on race, ethnicity, language status, disability, or socioeconomic status.

Mandates annual district reporting to RIDE on available seats, applications received, and placements made, with RIDE publicly releasing compiled data by October 1 each year.