The bill amends the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program by broadening the definition of "qualifying expenses" to include a wider array of educational costs, such as reasonable expenses for co-curricular courses in fine arts, music, or STEM fields, as well as transportation and extracurricular activities, with specified limits on fund allocation for these purposes. It also introduces new definitions for terms like "course," "completed student application," and "school year," while outlining the application submission process. Additionally, the bill modifies eligibility criteria for students starting in the 2025-2026 school year, ensuring they meet specific residency and enrollment requirements, and establishes a framework for managing account funds, emphasizing parental flexibility in directing funds and ensuring accountability.

Moreover, the bill expands student eligibility to include those previously enrolled in public schools rated D or F, as well as children of veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and law enforcement officers, starting in the 2024-2025 school year. From the 2025-2026 school year onward, any resident eligible to enroll in a public school can participate without limitations. A new priority system for funding applications is established, considering factors such as previous program participation and specific circumstances like disability or homelessness. The bill also outlines the administration of the program by the Department of Education, including the creation of a standard application form and guidelines for fund usage, while incorporating a severability clause and an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB625 Original - 4-3-2025 05:38 PM: 6-18-2503(11), 6-18-2503, 6-18-2505(b), 6-18-2505, 6-18-2506, 6-18-202, 6-41-901, 6-20-2305, 6-18-2505(f), 6-15-2105, 6-15-2106, 6-15-2913, 6-15-2915, 6-18-2301, 6-18-201, 6-18-2507(a), 6-18-2507(e)
Old version SB625 V2 - 4-9-2025 09:06 PM: 6-18-2503(11), 6-18-2503, 6-18-2505(b), 6-18-2505, 6-18-2506, 6-18-202, 6-41-901, 6-20-2305, 04-09-2025, 6-18-2505(f), 6-15-2105, 6-15-2106, 6-15-2913, 6-15-2915, 6-18-2301, 6-18-201, 6-18-2507(a), 6-18-2507(e)
Old version SB625 V3 - 4-15-2025 09:22 AM: 6-18-2503(11), 6-18-2503, 6-18-2505(b), 6-18-2505, 6-18-2506, 6-18-202, 04-15-2025, 6-41-901, 6-20-2305, 6-18-2505(f), 6-15-2105, 6-15-2106, 6-15-2913, 6-15-2915, 6-18-2301, 6-18-201, 6-18-2507(a), 6-18-2507(e)
SB 625: 6-18-2503(11), 6-18-2503, 6-18-2505(b), 6-18-2505, 6-18-2506, 6-18-202, 6-41-901, 6-20-2305, 6-18-2505(f), 6-15-2105, 6-15-2106, 6-15-2913, 6-15-2915, 6-18-2301, 6-18-201, 6-18-2507(a), 6-18-2507(e)
Act 920: 6-18-2503(11), 6-18-2503, 6-18-2505(b), 6-18-2505, 6-18-2506, 6-18-202, 04-15-2025, 6-41-901, 6-20-2305, 6-18-2505(f), 6-15-2105, 6-15-2106, 6-15-2913, 6-15-2915, 6-18-2301, 6-18-201, 6-18-2507(a), 6-18-2507(e)