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 school districts. Key provisions include the establishment of a transfer request timeline from January 1 to May 1 of the preceding school year, conditions under which transfers can be denied based on capacity, and the requirement for school districts to create policies that prevent discrimination based on factors such as residential address. The bill also ensures that receiving schools accept credits toward graduation from transferring students and comply with parental involvement requirements.

Additionally, the bill introduces a structured application process for student transfers, detailing necessary signatures for the Changing Schools/Athletic Participation form and prohibiting public school personnel from recruiting students for athletic purposes. It mandates annual reporting by school districts on transfer applications and outcomes, and allows for appeals to the state board in cases of rejected applications. The amendments also specifically address the transfer process for students who are dependents of uniformed service members, ensuring they have a clear and accessible pathway for transferring schools.

Statutes affected:
SB 624: 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, 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 732: 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, 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)