Arkansas House Bill HB1986

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/3/25
• Report Pass: 4/8/25
• Engrossed: 4/9/25
• Refer: 4/9/25
• Report Pass: 4/14/25
• Enrolled: 4/16/25
• Chaptered: 4/17/25
• Passed: 4/17/25

Caption

Concerning Excused Absences For Children Of Fallen Service Members And Children Of Fallen First Responders.

Impact

This legislation will amend existing state laws regarding school attendance policies, particularly under Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 18. It creates a specific framework that grants excused absences to students who are children of fallen service members or first responders. Schools will be required to accept written documentation for these absences and use authorized resources to validate the events attended by these children. The law aligns with broader efforts to support mental health and resilience among students dealing with traumatic loss.

Summary

House Bill 1986 aims to establish provisions for excused absences in public schools for children of fallen service members and first responders. The legislation acknowledges that the children of these individuals may need to attend events or engage in activities that support their mental health during times of grief or loss. By allowing these absences to be classified as excused, the bill seeks to provide recognition and support to families impacted by the loss of their loved ones who served their communities or country.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1986 is predominantly positive among its supporters. Advocates for the bill believe it provides necessary support to children coping with the loss of family members who have committed to service. They argue that recognizing these absences as excused is a compassionate response that promotes mental well-being. There is little documented opposition to the bill, indicating a general consensus on the need for enhanced support for families of fallen service members and first responders.

Contention

While there appears to be strong support for the bill, some may raise concerns regarding the administrative burden on schools to manage and verify excused absences for these students. Additionally, questions may arise about the impact on academic performance for those who take time away from standardized testing. Despite this, the overall objective ensures that students facing significant emotional challenges are accommodated appropriately in the educational environment.