The bill amends the Arkansas Opportunity Public School Choice Act and the Public School Choice Act of 2015 to expand student transfer options within public school districts. It allows students to transfer not only to nonresident school districts but also to another public school within their resident district. Key provisions include a defined transfer request period from January 1 to May 1 of the preceding school year, conditions under which transfers can be denied based on capacity, and requirements for receiving districts to accept credits and award diplomas if graduation criteria are met. The bill also prohibits discrimination based on residential address and ensures that transfer students can participate in extracurricular activities without being denied due to their transfer status.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the application process for school choice, requiring necessary signatures on the Changing Schools/Athletic Participation form and prohibiting recruitment for athletic purposes by school personnel. It mandates that school districts assess the capacity of schools and report transfer application data annually to the Secretary of the Department of Education. Additionally, it provides a mechanism for appeals through a hearing before the state board if a transfer application is denied, and includes specific provisions for students who are dependents of uniformed service members regarding their transfer process and transportation responsibilities.

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)