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 to another public school within their resident district as well as to nonresident districts. Key changes include clarifying that students can engage in tuition agreements with nonresident districts and establishing a defined transfer request period from January 1 to May 1 of the preceding school year. The bill also outlines conditions under which transfer requests can be denied based on school capacity and mandates that receiving districts must accept transfer students' credits toward graduation and award diplomas if requirements are met.

Additionally, the bill introduces specific language regarding eligibility for extracurricular activities, ensuring that transfer students cannot be denied participation solely based on their transfer status. It requires the completion of a Changing Schools/Athletic Participation form, which must be signed by the superintendents of the relevant districts. The bill emphasizes the prohibition of recruitment for athletic purposes by school personnel and establishes a clearer application process for school transfers, including capacity determinations and notification procedures for accepted or rejected applications. Provisions for students who are dependents of uniformed service members are also included, ensuring equitable access to transfer opportunities. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance educational choices while maintaining fair access and integrity in athletic participation.

Statutes affected:
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)
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)
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)