Bill targets military children

A bill for helping children in military families transition to Utah schools upon arrival to the state is the goal of a bill proposed by Rep. Ronda Menlove, R-Garland.

HB194 passed through the House on Wednesday with a unanimous vote. It now heads to the Senate for discussion.

The bill would allow for military transfer students to attend school without being held up waiting for their records or immunization papers, attend kindergarten if they had started in another state but didn't meet the required Utah age, and have flexibility in transferring classes required for graduation.

The bill "sends a message to military families that we are sensitive to their needs," Menlove said, adding the legislation is not to implement privileges but simply to smooth the students' way into Utah schools.

There are about 3,000 students in Utah whose families are stationed here for military reasons.

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