Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1122

Introduced
1/12/23  
Refer
1/12/23  
Report Pass
1/19/23  
Engrossed
1/23/23  
Refer
1/23/23  
Report Pass
1/25/23  
Enrolled
1/26/23  
Chaptered
1/30/23  

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning The Dates For The Beginning And End Of The School Year; And To Declare An Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, HB1122 will directly influence Arkansas's educational statutes concerning school calendars. By formalizing the start date in alignment with Labor Day, the bill seeks to standardize school schedules across the state, thereby assisting in planning for students, teachers, and parents. The emergency clause within the bill emphasizes the need for immediate clarity regarding school dates, which is significant for contract negotiations and operational planning within school districts.

Summary

House Bill 1122 aims to amend existing regulations regarding the start and end dates for the school year in Arkansas. Specifically, the bill states that the first day of student attendance for public elementary and secondary schools will not be earlier than two weeks before Labor Day, establishing parameters to ensure a consistent start date. Further provisions authorize the state's Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to grant waivers for earlier start dates in exceptional circumstances, such as disease outbreaks or severe weather, although these waivers will not permit starting school earlier than the established date set in the bill.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB1122 appears to be largely positive, as indicated by the unanimous support during the voting process, which saw 34 Yeas and 0 Nays. Proponents likely view this bill as a necessary adjustment to streamline the school year planning, thus benefiting various stakeholders involved in education.

Contention

While the bill was well-received, potential contentions may arise from specific school districts seeking flexibility in setting their academic calendars. The provision restricting early start waivers might be a point of discussion among educators and administrators, particularly those who may desire the autonomy to set start dates best suited to their local circumstances. Additionally, the bill’s overall impact on educational practices could stir debates around the adequacy of instructional time and other related concerns within the community.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1041

An Act For The Department Of Education - Division Of Elementary And Secondary Education - Public School Fund Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB77

To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB80

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1097

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB37

An Act For The Department Of Education - Arkansas School For The Blind And Arkansas School For The Deaf Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1013

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.