The bill amends the Arkansas Opportunity Public School Choice Act and the Public School Choice Act of 2015 to clarify the conditions for student transfers between schools within their resident district and to nonresident districts. Key provisions include allowing transfers to another public school within the resident district, ensuring that credits from previous schools are accepted, and requiring transfer requests to be submitted between January 1 and May 1 of the preceding school year. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of parents and guardians regarding transportation and compliance with school policies, while ensuring that transferring students are not penalized in extracurricular activities.

Additionally, the bill mandates that superintendents notify parents or guardians of the acceptance or rejection of transfer applications by July 1 of the school year in which the student seeks to enroll, providing reasons for rejections and deadlines for enrollment if accepted. It allows students whose applications are rejected to request a hearing for reconsideration and clarifies documentation requirements for students transferring due to their parents' military service. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance school choice options while maintaining educational standards and ensuring a smooth transfer process.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB205 V2 - 3-5-2025 09:57 AM: 6-18-202(g), 6-18-227(b), 6-18-227(g), 6-18-227(i), 6-18-1901(b), 6-18-1903(a), 6-18-1903(e), 6-18-1904(b), 6-18-1905, 03-05-2025, 6-18-1906, 6-18-1907(b), 6-18-1909(b), 6-18-1909(e)
Old version SB205 Original - 2-6-2025 09:08 AM: 6-18-202(g), 6-18-227(b), 6-18-227(g), 6-18-227(i), 6-18-1901(b), 6-18-1903(a), 6-18-1903(e), 6-18-1904(b), 6-18-1905, 6-18-1906, 6-18-1907(b), 6-18-1909(b), 6-18-1909(e)
SB 205: 6-18-202(g), 6-18-227(b), 6-18-227(g), 6-18-227(i), 6-18-1901(b), 6-18-1903(a), 6-18-1903(e), 6-18-1904(b), 6-18-1905, 6-18-1906, 6-18-1907(b), 6-18-1909(b), 6-18-1909(e)