The proposed bill aims to amend the individual income tax laws in Arkansas by creating a tax exemption specifically for teachers. It introduces a new section, 26-51-317, which defines a "teacher" as an individual engaged in student instruction in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) for more than 70% of their contracted time and employed by either a public school or an open-enrollment charter school in a licensed capacity. The bill allows for an income tax exemption on the first $50,000 of wages earned by eligible teachers.
Additionally, the bill specifies that this exemption will take effect for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. This legislative change is intended to provide financial relief to teachers in Arkansas, recognizing their contributions to education and supporting their financial well-being.