The bill, HB1810, seeks to consolidate the Arkansas School for the Deaf and the Arkansas School for the Blind into a single entity known as the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind. This consolidation involves transferring all functions, responsibilities, records, contracts, personnel, and financial resources from the two separate institutions to the newly formed entity. Key amendments include redefining "public school" to include the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind, while removing separate references to the individual schools. The bill also establishes a Board of Trustees to oversee the new institution, detailing the qualifications and duties of its members, and outlines the role of the superintendent in managing school operations.

In addition to the structural changes, the bill introduces various provisions aimed at enhancing educational services and operational efficiency. It mandates that the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind provide braille and large print textbooks, maintain student records in compliance with public school district requirements, and allows for the transportation of students using chartered vehicles. The bill also increases the maximum compensation for employees performing extra duties and clarifies the process for student admissions and disciplinary actions. Furthermore, it includes an emergency clause to ensure the merger is completed before the 2025-2026 school year, with the act taking effect on July 1, 2025, to facilitate proper funding and administration for the new institution.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1810 V2 - 3-31-2025 01:00 PM: 5-14-132(a), 6-10-121(a), 6-15-1402(g), 6-15-2913(b), 6-17-1113(a), 6-21-105, 6-28-104(8), 19-4-906(a), 19-5-304(5), 19-5-402(6), 21-8-402(5), 21-8-402(7), 21-8-701(d), 25-11-205, 25-11-202, 03-31-2025, 25-16-901, 25-16-904(19), 25-17-201(1)
Old version HB1810 V3 - 4-8-2025 10:51 AM: 5-14-132(a), 6-10-121(a), 6-15-1402(g), 6-15-2913(b), 6-17-1113(a), 6-21-105, 6-28-104(8), 19-4-906(a), 19-5-304(5), 19-5-402(6), 21-8-402(5), 21-8-402(7), 21-8-701(d), 25-11-205, 25-11-202, 04-08-2025, 25-16-901, 25-16-904(19), 25-17-201(1)
Act 796: 5-14-132(a), 6-10-121(a), 6-15-1402(g), 6-15-2913(b), 6-17-1113(a), 6-21-105, 6-28-104(8), 19-4-906(a), 19-5-304(5), 19-5-402(6), 21-8-402(5), 21-8-402(7), 21-8-701(d), 25-11-205, 25-11-202, 04-08-2025, 25-16-901, 25-16-904(19), 25-17-201(1)