Arkansas House Bill HB1539

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/25
• Refer: 2/20/25
• Failed: 5/5/25

Caption

To Amend The Public School Funding Act Of 2003; And To Add An Additional Education Category Of Funding For Special Education.

Impact

The bill’s intended reforms are built on findings from a recent educational adequacy study, which identified considerable underfunding in special education. Fifty-five percent of superintendents reported that their districts are in significant need of additional funding for special education staff. By addressing the funding structure, HB1539 aims to promote a fairer distribution of resources, ultimately improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities. Furthermore, the legislation highlights the importance of increasing compensation for public school classified staff members to support recruitment and retention efforts, which is essential for maintaining a high-quality education system.

Summary

House Bill 1539 aims to amend the Public School Funding Act of 2003 in order to enhance funding mechanisms specifically for special education within Arkansas. The bill seeks to transition special education funding from a foundation basis to a categorical funding structure. This change is designed to ensure that funds allocated for special education are utilized solely for that purpose, thereby addressing underfunding issues that many school districts currently face. Notably, the bill proposes to fund students requiring special services based on their individualized education plans, rather than on the total number of students in a district, thus aligning resources more closely with actual needs.

Contention

Despite the positive intent behind HB1539, the bill may face debate regarding its funding implications and allocation priorities. Critics may argue about the balance of funding across various education categories, including standard classroom resources, mental health support services, and the needs of English learners. Additionally, when re-evaluating funding structures, there could be concerns around how the transition to categorical funding might restrict flexibility for school districts in managing their budgets effectively. This contentious setting will likely be a point of scrutiny as the bill progresses through the legislative process.