The bill amends various provisions of the Arkansas Code related to public school funding amounts, specifically addressing health insurance contributions, foundation funding, and categorical funding for alternative learning environments, English-language learners, and professional development. Key changes include the establishment of a monthly health insurance contribution rate for eligible employees, which will be determined by the General Assembly, and adjustments to the per-student foundation funding amounts for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years, increasing the funding from $7,182 to $7,618 for the foundation amount and from $4,794 to $4,987 for alternative learning environments.

Additionally, the bill outlines the funding for English-language learners and Enhanced Student Achievement Funding, with increases in per-student amounts for the upcoming school years. The emergency clause included in the bill emphasizes the urgency of ensuring adequate funding for public schools, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon approval by the Governor or after the veto period. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the financial support for Arkansas public schools to ensure they can effectively budget for the upcoming school years.

Statutes affected:
HB 1688: 6-17-1117(a), 6-20-2305(a), 6-20-2305(b)
Act 744: 6-17-1117(a), 6-20-2305(a), 6-20-2305(b)