The bill amends the Public School Funding Act of 2003 to adjust funding amounts for public schools in Arkansas, particularly in response to the requirements set forth by the LEARNS Act. It establishes legislative findings that emphasize the General Assembly's duty to provide suitable and efficient public education, including a minimum salary for teachers of $50,000 and additional raises for those earning above that threshold. The bill outlines the intent to assist public school districts in meeting these salary requirements, create a more efficient funding process, and gradually phase out teacher salary equalization funding to enhance average teacher salaries.

Key amendments include changes to the foundation funding amounts for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years, increasing the per-student funding from $7,618 to $8,162 and adjusting alternative learning environment funding and English learner funding accordingly. The bill also specifies that the minimum employer contribution for state-sponsored insurance will be deducted from the foundation funding amount and paid directly to the Employee Benefits Division. Additionally, it sets the statewide target average annual salary for teachers at $51,822 for the 2025-2026 school year, with provisions for future adjustments.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1312 Original - 1-29-2025 02:58 PM: 6-20-2305(a), 6-20-2305(b)
Old version HB1312 V2 - 4-7-2025 11:00 AM: 6-20-2305(a), 6-20-2305(b)
Old version HB1312 V3 - 4-9-2025 10:50 AM: 6-20-2305(a), 6-20-2305(b)
HB 1312: 6-20-2305(a), 6-20-2305(b)
Act 909: 6-20-2305(a), 6-20-2305(b)