AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1756

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1756

Introduced
3/12/25  
Refer
3/12/25  
Report Pass
4/3/25  
Engrossed
4/7/25  
Refer
4/7/25  
Report Pass
4/9/25  
Enrolled
4/14/25  
Enrolled
4/15/25  
Chaptered
4/17/25  

Caption

To Allow A Parent, Legal Guardian, Or Person Standing In Loco Parentis To A Student To Document And Maintain The Community Service Hours The Student Obtains.

Impact

The implications of this bill may have a substantial impact on state laws regarding the high school graduation process. By enabling parents to document community service hours, it not only formalizes the role of family in school-related activities but also raises the standard for community engagement among students. This legislation could lead to increased participation in community service programs and create a more involved citizenry among high school graduates.

Summary

House Bill 1756 seeks to amend the existing community service diploma requirement for public high school students in Arkansas. The bill proposes that starting with the graduating class of 2026-2027, students must complete a minimum of 75 hours of documented community service. Notably, this legislation allows parents, legal guardians, or individuals acting in loco parentis to document and maintain these community service hours on behalf of the student. This change aims to enhance parental involvement in students' education and community engagement.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 1756 appears to be favorable, as it promotes active involvement from families in the education system. Supporters may argue that this shift encourages community values and civic responsibility among students. However, there could also be concerns regarding the potential for variances in how community service is recorded and the need for oversight to maintain standards across different school districts.

Contention

Despite its positive intentions, the bill could face contention regarding the auditing process mentioned, which allows the Department of Education to verify the accuracy of documented hours. Critics might point to the possibility of discrepancies in documentation and question the feasibility of consistently auditing community service hours across a diverse range of students and communities. Moreover, there may be discussions surrounding the adequacy and fairness of this requirement across different socioeconomic groups.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1161

To Create The Support For Pregnant And Parenting Students Act.

AR SB285

To Amend The Law Concerning Absences From School; And To Provide For An Excused Absence For A Student Who Accompanies The Student's Parent Or Legal Guardian To Vote.

AR HB1604

To Require That A Petition Of A Student To Transfer From One School District To Another School District Be Placed On The Agenda Of A School District Board Of Directors For Review And Approval.

AR HB1738

To Create The Parents' Bill Of Rights.

AR SB232

To Allow A Student Whose Parent Or Legal Guardian Relocates Him Or Her To A Different School District To Complete His Or Her Remaining School Years At The School District In Which He Or She Is Enrolled At The Time Of Relocation.

AR HB1468

To Create The Given Name Act; And To Prohibit Requiring Employees Of Public Schools And State-supported Institutions Of Higher Education To Use A Person's Preferred Pronoun, Name, Or Title Without Parental Consent.

AR HB1733

To Create The Right To Play Act; And Concerning The Participation Of Students In Interscholastic Activities.

AR HB1157

To Require Public School Districts And Open-enrollment Public Charter Schools To Provide Information To Public School Students Regarding Water Safety Education Courses And Swimming Lessons.

AR HB1754

To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Fees, Expenses, And Costs Imposed On A Juvenile Or The Parent, Guardian, Or Custodian Of A Juvenile.

AR SB294

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.