This 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. It also establishes the Community Schools Act Fund to support educational initiatives within the community. The legislation aims to redirect funding and resources towards more targeted educational services for students with special needs, ultimately enhancing their educational opportunities and fostering community involvement in education.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of Arkansas law related to educational funding, including the eligibility criteria for participation in the new program. It introduces a phased approach to eligibility, starting with students with disabilities, homeless students, and foster children for the 2023-2024 school year, and expanding to include students from underperforming schools and those with parents in certain professions by the 2025-2026 school year. The bill specifies that funding for special education services will be set at $3,862 per student, separate from the state foundation funding aid amount. It also outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Education in reporting on the implementation of the new educational funding mechanisms and ensures compliance with the updated eligibility criteria for service providers and schools involved in the program.

Statutes affected:
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
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
HB 1020: 6-20-2305(b), 9-28-113(j), 19-5-1277, 19-4-301, 19-4-201