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 allows students to transfer not only to nonresident school districts but also to other public schools within their resident districts, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, such as the resident school being classified as needing intensive support or having a failing rating. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of receiving districts regarding the acceptance of credits and diplomas, as well as requirements for attendance and compliance with conduct codes. A clear application process is established, requiring submissions between January 1 and May 1 each year, ensuring involvement from both resident and nonresident districts.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that resident districts evaluate transfer applications for schools within the same district and requires superintendents to notify parents or guardians of acceptance or rejection by July 1. If a transfer application is rejected, the reason must be provided, and a deadline for enrollment must be stated if accepted. The bill also allows students to request a hearing for reconsideration of rejected applications and specifies documentation requirements for students transferring due to their parents' military service. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline the transfer process, improve communication between districts and families, and provide greater flexibility in school choice while maintaining accountability.

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)