The bill amends the Arkansas Opportunity Public School Choice Act and the Public School Choice Act of 2015 to expand student transfer options, allowing students to transfer not only to nonresident school districts but also to other public schools within their resident district. Key provisions include a specified timeframe for transfer requests, which must be submitted between January 1 and May 1 of the preceding school year, and conditions under which transfers can be denied based on school capacity. The bill also ensures that receiving schools must accept credits toward graduation and award diplomas if graduation requirements are met, while prohibiting discrimination based on residential address.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the application process for school transfers, requiring necessary signatures on the Changing Schools/Athletic Participation form and establishing that public school personnel and volunteers cannot recruit students for athletic purposes. It mandates that school districts assess the capacity of each school and grade level, with applications due by May 1 each year, and outlines the notification process for acceptance or rejection of applications. Provisions are also included for students who are dependents of uniformed service members, ensuring they can apply for transfers under specific conditions. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance educational opportunities and streamline the transfer process while ensuring fairness in student eligibility for extracurricular activities.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1945 V2 - 4-7-2025 10:45 AM: 6-18-202(g), 6-18-227(b), 6-18-227(d), 6-18-227(g), 6-18-227(i), 6-18-1901(b), 6-18-1903, 6-18-1906, 04-07-2025, 6-18-510, 6-18-1904, 6-18-206, 6-18-1901, 6-18-1905, 6-22-101, 6-18-1907(b), 6-18-1909(b)
Old version HB1945 Original - 3-31-2025 06:29 PM: 6-18-202(g), 6-18-227(b), 6-18-227(g), 6-18-227(i), 6-18-1901(b), 6-18-1903, 6-18-1906, 6-18-510, 6-18-1904, 6-18-206, 6-18-1901, 6-18-1905, 6-22-101, 6-18-1907(b), 6-18-1909(b), 6-18-1909(e)
HB 1945: 6-18-202(g), 6-18-227(b), 6-18-227(g), 6-18-227(i), 6-18-1901(b), 6-18-1903, 6-18-1906, 6-18-510, 6-18-1904, 6-18-206, 6-18-1901, 6-18-1905, 6-22-101, 6-18-1907(b), 6-18-1909(b), 6-18-1909(e)
Act 913: 6-18-202(g), 6-18-227(b), 6-18-227(d), 6-18-227(g), 6-18-227(i), 6-18-1901(b), 6-18-1903, 6-18-1906, 04-07-2025, 6-18-510, 6-18-1904, 6-18-206, 6-18-1901, 6-18-1905, 6-22-101, 6-18-1907(b), 6-18-1909(b)