Arkansas House Bill HB1094

Arkansas 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/11/24
• Report Pass: 4/17/24
• Refer: 4/11/24
• Engrossed: 4/18/24
• Enrolled: 4/24/24
• Chaptered: 4/25/24
• Passed: 4/25/24

Caption

An Act For The Department Of Education - Division Of Elementary And Secondary Education - Public School Fund Supplemental Appropriation.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1094 is significant in the context of Arkansas education laws, as it not only seeks to complement existing appropriations from previous acts, such as Act 572 of 2023, but also addresses specific needs such as assessment funding and support for special education. The supplemental nature of this bill highlights the legislature's recognition of the ongoing financial struggles faced by school districts, exacerbated by unforeseen circumstances that demand focus on operational needs in the education sector.

Summary

House Bill 1094 is a legislative act aimed at making a supplemental appropriation for the Department of Education, specifically focusing on the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. The bill appropriates a total of $29.2 million, which is intended to support public school fund grants that go towards various educational programs and local school districts. This funding responds to various issues, including declining enrollment and the need for distance learning and professional development. The bill asserts a commitment to providing necessary financial resources to ensure that education services remain uninterrupted during fiscal challenges.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1094 appears to be largely positive, as it reflects a bipartisan agreement on the necessity of supporting public education. Lawmakers and stakeholders seem to agree that ensuring additional funding for educational resources is a priority. The unanimous vote of 33 to 0 in favor during its third reading indicates a broad consensus among legislators regarding the importance of the bill and its potential benefits for local communities and their educational systems.

Contention

While the overall sentiment has been supportive, some points of contention may arise in the future regarding the distribution of the appropriated funds and the accountability of how they are utilized by the educational institutions. There may be discussions around ensuring equity in funding accessibility among different districts and addressing the effectiveness of the proposed programs. Additionally, as this act falls under a supplemental appropriation, the dependency on prior legislative funding could lead to debates on long-term financial planning for public education.