By Alexandra Tapia, government affairs director
Open enrollment is a straightforward idea: every family should be able to choose a public school that is the right fit for their child, regardless of where they live. This session, more policymakers than ever are putting that idea into action.
Reason Foundation’s latest report highlights the open enrollment proposals making waves across the country this session—and the list is long. Thirty-one states are considering nearly 100 proposals. The breadth of activity reflects growing agreement among policymakers that where a child lives should not determine where a child learns.
Here’s a look at what Reason is watching.
Proposals With Momentum
Michigan leads Reason Foundation’s list this session. Its open enrollment bills, if passed, would establish the state as the national leader on open enrollment policy—surpassing Oklahoma, which currently holds that distinction.
Georgia, Illinois, and New Hampshire are also highlighted for proposals that would move each state from an “F” to an “A” or “B” on Reason’s open enrollment scorecard. That kind of shift reflects how much families in those states stand to gain when lawmakers get this right.
Also on Reason’s Radar
Reason Foundation also highlights states where open enrollment legislation was introduced this session—efforts that signal growing policymaker interest even where proposals are in earlier stages.
In Tennessee, an open enrollment proposal drew attention this session before not advancing. The conversation it started is worth building on.
In New Mexico, Rep. Rebecca Dow introduced open enrollment legislation—a proposal that, if enacted, would have moved the state from an “F” to a top-tier grade on Reason’s scorecard. The session has concluded, but Rep. Dow’s leadership reflects real commitment to expanding options for New Mexico families and contributes to broader national momentum on open enrollment.
Why It Matters
Families are not waiting for policy to catch up. They already know what they want—schools that meet their children where they are, with access that does not depend on a ZIP code. Every proposal introduced this session is a step toward making that a reality for more kids.
