The bill amends existing laws regarding ethical guidelines and prohibitions for public school employees in Arkansas, specifically focusing on the definitions and employment restrictions for public school administrators. The definition of "administrator" is revised to specify that it includes superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, assistant principals, curriculum directors, and others responsible for entity-wide purchasing, replacing the broader term "any." Additionally, the definition of "public educational entity" is updated to explicitly include public schools alongside public school districts, charter schools, and education service cooperatives, while clarifying that it does not encompass institutions of higher education.

Furthermore, the bill introduces stricter employment restrictions for administrators, stating that they cannot be employed, act as agents, or serve as independent contractors for any party that contracts with the public educational entity they serve, unless they receive written approval from both the public school district board of directors and the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. This aims to enhance ethical standards and prevent conflicts of interest within the educational system.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1640 V2 - 3-4-2025 09:53 AM: 6-24-102(1), 6-24-102(16), 03-04-2025, 6-24-111(a)
Old version HB1640 Original - 3-3-2025 12:51 PM: 6-24-102(1), 6-24-102(16), 6-24-111(a)
HB 1640: 6-24-102(1), 6-24-102(16), 6-24-111(a)
Act 476: 6-24-102(1), 6-24-102(16), 03-04-2025, 6-24-111(a)