The bill amends the Arkansas Opportunity Public School Choice Act and the Public School Choice Act of 2015 by changing the deadlines for submitting transfer applications. Specifically, it establishes that requests for student transfers must be submitted no earlier than January 1 and no later than June 1 of the school year preceding the intended transfer. This change applies to both general student transfers and those specifically for foster children. Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts notify parents or guardians about the acceptance or rejection of transfer applications by July 1 of the school year in which the transfer is sought.

The bill also includes amendments to the notification requirements for school districts regarding students enrolled in or assigned to schools classified as needing intensive support. It ensures that parents, guardians, or eligible students are informed of their transfer options in a timely manner. Furthermore, the bill clarifies the use of the Changing Schools/Athletic Participation form, stating it is applicable only for students who are enrolled in the receiving school district by July 1 before entering grades seven through twelve. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the transfer process and provide clearer guidelines for both students and school districts.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB167 V2 - 2-27-2025 01:02 PM: 6-18-227(b), 6-18-227(d), 6-18-227(m), 6-18-233(d), 6-18-1904(f), 6-18-1905(a), 6-18-1905(e)
Old version SB167 V3 - 3-12-2025 01:46 PM: 6-18-227(b), 6-18-227(d), 6-18-227(m), 6-18-233(d), 6-18-1904(f), 6-18-1905(a), 6-18-1905(e)
Old version SB167 Original - 1-31-2025 09:57 AM: 6-18-227(b), 6-18-227(d), 6-18-227(m), 6-18-233(d), 6-18-1904(f), 6-18-1905(a), 6-18-1905(e)
SB 167: 6-18-227(b), 6-18-227(d), 6-18-227(m), 6-18-233(d), 6-18-1904(f), 6-18-1905(a), 6-18-1905(e)
Act 563: 6-18-227(b), 6-18-227(d), 6-18-227(m), 6-18-233(d), 6-18-1904(f), 6-18-1905(a), 6-18-1905(e)