The proposed bill seeks to repeal the Arkansas Opportunity Public School Choice Act and amend existing laws governing student transfers between public schools and districts. It specifically eliminates Arkansas Code 6-18-227, which defines the Opportunity Public School Choice Act, and emphasizes the importance of providing students with enhanced educational opportunities by allowing transfers from underperforming schools to those meeting performance standards. The bill also revises the Public School Choice Act of 2015, mandating that school districts inform parents and students about transfer options, particularly for those in schools needing intensive support or rated poorly.

In addition to the repeal, the bill introduces several key amendments, including the requirement for resident districts to notify receiving districts about students with expulsion histories, and it allows school district boards to delegate the approval of transfer petitions while retaining the authority to deny them. The bill clarifies definitions related to the Public School Choice Act, expands the definition of "uniformed service member," and establishes criteria for denying transfers based on capacity. It also streamlines the application process for school choice transfers, extending the deadline to June 1 and ensuring that students with disabilities remain eligible for services. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the flexibility and accessibility of school choice for students and their families while ensuring effective management of school district capacities.

Statutes affected:
SB 482: 6-18-227, 6-15-2913, 6-15-2915, 6-15-2105, 6-15-2106, 6-18-1901, 25-15-201, 6-22-101, 6-18-316(a), 6-18-316(c), 6-18-316, 6-18-1901(a), 6-18-1902(2), 6-18-1902(5), 6-18-1903, 6-18-1906, 6-18-510, 6-18-1904, 6-18-206, 6-18-1905