Bill to make unused seats available across districts aims to expand access to strong public schools

Representative DeSimone told the committee House Bill 7,900 would open unused seats in public schools to students elsewhere within the same district through state‑established procedures. He framed the proposal as a fairness and efficiency measure that would increase access to higher‑performing programs without new construction or additional state funding.

"It is not in the public interest for seats to sit empty while families are seeking better options for their children," Representative DeSimone said, adding that districts would retain flexibility to prioritize siblings and proximity when offering seats.

Andrew McManus testified in support, saying the bill creates a transparent process to make empty seats available across grade levels and helps keep the per‑student funding within the home district. Committee members asked about transportation and administrative logistics; testimony indicated transportation would remain the city's responsibility and that the bill applies only within the district (not allowing students to move to different districts).

The committee accepted the testimony and did not take a vote on HB 7,900 during this meeting. Members said they would follow up on implementation questions such as enrollment procedures and transportation funding.