The bill proposes the establishment of a new Division of Interscholastic Activities within the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education in Arkansas. This division aims to promote student participation in interscholastic activities, such as sports and clubs, while ensuring fair oversight and compliance with state and federal regulations. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the division, which include monitoring schools, promoting educational values, fostering good sportsmanship, and preventing the exploitation of youth by special interest groups. The division will be led by an Assistant Commissioner appointed by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, who will also oversee the hiring of staff.
Additionally, the bill specifies that all public schools and open-enrollment charter schools will be subject to the division's oversight, while private schools may opt-in. It mandates that the division must not discriminate based on gender, national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, or disability. Furthermore, the division is required to submit an annual report on its activities to the House and Senate Committees on Education by June 1 each year. The state board is tasked with promulgating rules to administer the provisions of this new section.