The bill proposes the repeal of the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program, as indicated by the deletion of relevant sections in Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 18, Subchapter 25. In its place, the bill introduces a new education funding category specifically designed for students receiving special education and related services, along with the establishment of the Community Schools Act Fund. This shift aims to streamline educational funding and ensure that resources are effectively directed towards supporting students with special needs, promoting inclusivity and access to quality education.

Key amendments include the removal of various eligibility and notification requirements for the previous program, such as the need for the division to assess a student's continued eligibility based on academic performance and the obligation to notify families within three days if a student is barred from participation. The bill also expands eligibility criteria over the next few years, allowing students with disabilities, homeless students, foster children, and those from underperforming schools to participate, with all residents eligible to enroll in public schools able to join by the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, it sets special education funding at $3,862 per student starting in the 2025-2026 school year and establishes a priority system for funding applications based on eligibility and duration of participation. The creation of the Community Schools Act Fund will support community-based educational initiatives, ensuring ongoing financial resources for these programs.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1020 Original - 11-20-2024 02:32 PM: 6-20-2305(b), 9-28-113(j), 19-5-1277, 19-4-301, 19-4-201
Old version HB1020 V2 - 1-16-2025 03:42 PM: 6-20-2305(b), 9-28-113(j), 19-5-1277, 19-4-301, 19-4-201, 01-16-2025
HB 1020: 6-20-2305(b), 9-28-113(j), 19-5-1277, 19-4-301, 19-4-201