The bill amends provisions of the Arkansas Code regarding the Course Choice Program, which allows eligible students to enroll in courses offered by various providers. Key changes include the definition of "course provider," which now explicitly excludes public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools, while allowing them to offer courses if they meet certain criteria. Additionally, the definition of "eligible student" has been updated to include students in grades six through twelve who meet specific conditions related to their current school offerings or performance ratings. The bill also establishes that the State Board of Education must create rules for the program by the 2026-2027 school year, including evaluation processes for course providers and the administration of state assessments.

Further amendments address funding mechanisms for the Course Choice Program, specifying how payments to course providers will be structured and ensuring that eligible students are included in the average daily membership of their public school districts for funding purposes. The bill clarifies that course providers cannot charge students beyond the per-course amount set by the state and outlines the payment schedule based on student enrollment and course completion. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the accessibility and accountability of the Course Choice Program in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
SB 604: 6-16-1702, 6-15-2105, 6-15-2106, 6-16-1703, 6-15-2101, 6-16-1704(a), 6-16-1704(d)
Act 730: 6-16-1702, 6-15-2105, 6-15-2106, 6-16-1703, 6-15-2101, 6-16-1704(a), 6-16-1704(d)