The bill amends the Arkansas Military Child School Transitions Act of 2021 to improve support for military families, particularly those with children transitioning to new schools. It removes the one-year eligibility limitation for children of Gold Star families and those from medically separated or retired families, allowing public schools to apply the act's provisions to all students seeking enrollment. The bill also expands the authority of special education staff to collaborate with sending districts to facilitate smoother transitions for students with disabilities. Additionally, it introduces the Purple Star School Program, which recognizes schools that provide support to military families and outlines specific actions for military families during the enrollment process.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the designation of a military family education coordinator in each public school district and open-enrollment public charter school, who will serve as the primary contact for military families. Schools are required to report the enrollment of students with parents in active duty or reserve components of the armed forces and to adopt the Purple Star School Program if they have a certain number of military-connected students. This program includes staff training, peer ambassador programs, and dedicated resources for military families on school websites. The Arkansas Council for Military Children will oversee the development and review of the program, while the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education will provide necessary support and resources, emphasizing the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by military-connected students.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1545 V2 - 3-10-2025 10:49 AM: 6-28-105, 03-10-2025, 6-4-301, 6-18-227, 6-18-1901, 6-28-108, 6-18-1909, 6-28-107, 6-28-109, 6-28-114, 6-28-113(b), 6-28-116, 6-15-1702, 6-28-117, 6-28-204(b), 6-28-302, 6-28-204(i)
Old version HB1545 V3 - 3-19-2025 02:25 PM: 6-28-105, 03-19-2025, 6-4-301, 6-18-227, 6-18-1901, 6-28-108, 6-18-1909, 6-28-107, 6-28-109, 6-28-113(b), 6-28-116, 6-15-1702, 6-28-117, 6-28-204(b), 6-28-302, 6-28-204(i)
Old version HB1545 Original - 2-20-2025 11:12 AM: 6-28-105, 6-4-301, 6-18-227, 6-18-1901, 6-28-108, 6-18-1909, 6-28-107, 6-28-109, 6-28-114, 6-28-113(b), 6-28-116, 6-15-1702, 6-28-117, 6-28-204(b), 6-28-302, 6-28-204(i)
HB 1545: 6-28-105, 6-4-301, 6-18-227, 6-18-1901, 6-28-108, 6-18-1909, 6-28-107, 6-28-109, 6-28-114, 6-28-113(b), 6-28-116, 6-15-1702, 6-28-117, 6-28-204(b), 6-28-302, 6-28-204(i)
Act 501: 6-28-105, 03-19-2025, 6-4-301, 6-18-227, 6-18-1901, 6-28-108, 6-18-1909, 6-28-107, 6-28-109, 6-28-113(b), 6-28-116, 6-15-1702, 6-28-117, 6-28-204(b), 6-28-302, 6-28-204(i)