The bill amends existing laws regarding the management of unused or underutilized public school facilities owned by school districts in Arkansas. It establishes that such facilities must be made available at no cost to the municipality where the school district is located, and if the municipality waives its right of first refusal, the facilities can then be leased or sold to open-enrollment public charter schools within the district at fair market value, determined by an independent appraisal. The bill also clarifies the process for municipalities and counties to exercise their right of first refusal and outlines the conditions under which public charter schools can claim these facilities.

Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause, emphasizing the urgency of ensuring that public school facilities continue to benefit local taxpayers and communities. It highlights the need for local entities to have the first opportunity to acquire these facilities to prevent their sale to third parties for unrelated uses. The bill is designed to preserve public resources and ensure that they serve the educational needs of the community.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB367 Original - 3-6-2023 02:38 PM: 6-21-815(c), 6-21-816(b)
Old version SB367 V2 - 3-9-2023 12:23 PM: 6-21-815(c), 6-21-816(b)
SB 367: 6-21-815(c), 6-21-816(b)