This bill amends existing laws regarding the permissible uses for real estate donated by public school districts in Arkansas. It allows school districts to donate real property to open-enrollment public charter schools, publicly supported institutions of higher education, technical institutes, community colleges, not-for-profit organizations, and local government entities for specific educational purposes. The bill stipulates that donated properties must be used exclusively for community programs, beneficial educational services, social enrichment programs, or after-school programs, and explicitly states that housing or similar benefits do not qualify under these categories. Additionally, it requires that if real property is not utilized for educational purposes within two years of consolidation, it must be made available for donation or low-cost long-term lease to the aforementioned entities.

Furthermore, the bill updates definitions and reporting requirements under the Arkansas Public School Academic Facilities Program Act. It clarifies the definitions of "public school facility" and "unused or underutilized public school facility," and modifies the timeline for school districts to report on these facilities from February 1 to January 31 each year. The bill also establishes a right of first refusal for open-enrollment public charter schools to purchase or lease unused or underutilized public school facilities, ensuring they are prioritized in any transactions involving such properties. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the educational use of surplus school properties while providing clear guidelines for their donation and management.

Statutes affected:
SB 215: 6-21-108(b), 6-21-803(13), 6-21-803(17), 6-21-806(a), 6-21-815(c), 6-21-816(a), 6-21-816(b), 6-21-816(h)