The bill amends the Arkansas Opportunity Public School Choice Act and the Public School Choice Act of 2015 to enhance student transfer options within their resident districts. It specifies that students can transfer to both nonresident school districts and other public schools within their resident districts. Key provisions include the acceptance of credits toward graduation for transferring students, the responsibilities of receiving and resident districts during the transfer process, and the establishment of an irrevocable transfer election for the entire school year unless a new application is submitted. The bill also modifies eligibility requirements, allowing transfer applications to be submitted between January 1 and May 1 each year, and emphasizes parental notification regarding transfer decisions.

Additionally, the bill introduces requirements for superintendents to notify parents or guardians about the status of transfer applications by July 1, including reasons for any rejections. It allows for a hearing request before the state board if a transfer application is denied, with specified timelines for submission. The bill also clarifies the transfer process for students who are dependents of uniformed service members or veterans, requiring applications to be submitted to both districts with necessary documentation. Transportation responsibilities for students transferring to nonresident districts are placed on the parents or guardians. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline the transfer process and improve educational choice and accessibility for Arkansas students.

Statutes affected:
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)