This bill amends the Arkansas Public School Academic Facilities Funding Act to expand the definition of "academic facility" to include buildings or spaces used for public early childhood education programs and safe rooms for students. Specifically, it removes the exclusion of prekindergarten education facilities from the definition, thereby allowing these facilities to be recognized as academic facilities eligible for funding. The new legal language clarifies that a public early childhood educational program is included in this classification.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that defines a "safe room" as a building, space, or related area designed to protect occupants from natural or manmade threats. This inclusion ensures that safe rooms are recognized as academic facilities under the Act, thereby allowing for potential funding and support for their construction and maintenance. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the safety and educational infrastructure available to Arkansas students.

Statutes affected:
HB 1337: 6-20-2502(2)