To Repeal The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program; To Create A New Education Funding Category For Students Who Receive Special Education And Related Services; And To Create The Community Schools Act Fund.
Impact
The proposed changes under HB 1020 have the potential to significantly alter state educational laws, particularly regarding how special education funding is allocated. By shifting away from the educational freedom account model, which was designed to provide parents with more choice over educational expenditures, the bill now focuses on ensuring adequate support specifically targeted to special education services. This realignment is likely to affect the financial landscape of Arkansas's education system by redirecting funds towards established public schools and educational supports.
Summary
House Bill 1020 seeks to repeal the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program while establishing new categories for educational funding that specifically cater to students receiving special education and related services. The bill emphasizes the necessity to create a better funding structure, aiming to provide more comprehensive support for vulnerable students. Moreover, it introduces the Community Schools Act Fund, intended to enhance educational opportunities across the state.
Contention
The repeal of the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program is likely a point of contention among various stakeholders, including parents who supported more choice in education funding. Supporters of HB 1020 argue that the bill provides a more equitable approach to funding that addresses the needs of students with disabilities, while opponents may view this shift as a reduction in choice and parental control over educational decisions. As the bill progresses, discussions around its implications for educational equity and access are expected to be intense.
To Amend Acts 2023, No. 237; And To Amend The Limitation On The Funds A Participating Student May Receive Under The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program.
To Amend The Philanthropic Investment In Arkansas Kids Program Act And The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Amend The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program To Allow A Parent Of A Participating Student To Elect To Direct Account Funds To The Resident Public School To Which The Participating Student Is Assigned
To Amend The Public School Choice Act Of 2015; And To Amend The Eligibility Of Children Of Active Duty Uniformed Services Personnel To Participate In The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program.
To Create The Learns Act; To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code As They Relate To Early Childhood Through Grade Twelve Education In The State Of Arkansas; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Oppose The Misleadingly Titled "educational Rights Amendment Of 2024" And Encourage All Registered Arkansas Voters To Oppose The "educational Rights Amendment Of 2024."
To Amend The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program Concerning Approved Institutions Of Higher Education; And Concerning The Higher Education Grants Fund Account.
To Create The Learns Act; To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code As They Relate To Early Childhood Through Grade Twelve Education In The State Of Arkansas; And To Declare An Emergency.
Relating to the establishment of an education savings account program, an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program, and the award of attorney's fees in actions challenging certain educational choice laws.