RELATING TO PREFERRED NAMES.

SB 3023 requires the state Department of Education to create a formal process allowing public school students to use their preferred names on school records, communications, and identification instead of their legal names. This directly affects all K-12 students in public schools who wish to use a name different from their legal name for personal, cultural, or gender identity reasons. The key mechanism mandates the department to develop and implement this process, ensuring schools can update student information systems and staff communications accordingly. The bill focuses on strengthening inclusivity by reducing misgendering or name-related distress in educational settings.