To Create The Support For Pregnant And Parenting Students Act.
Impact
The bill represents significant changes to state laws relating to educational attendance policies. By requiring schools to accommodate pregnant and parenting students, it seeks to ensure that these students are not penalized academically for their parenting responsibilities. This makes it easier for students to continue their education while managing the challenges that come with pregnancy and parenting. Furthermore, it adds provisions to assist lactating students by providing designated spaces and reasonable time to express breast milk at school.
Summary
House Bill 1161, also known as the Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students Act, aims to provide specific accommodations for students who are pregnant or parenting. The bill mandates that public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools must adopt attendance policies that grant excused absences for pregnancy-related conditions and parenting responsibilities. These include medical appointments, childbirth, and legal matters. Additionally, the bill allows for at least ten days of excused absences for parents following childbirth without these absences counting towards attendance-related penalties.
Sentiment
Reactions to HB 1161 appear to be overwhelmingly positive among supporters, including educators and advocates for students' rights. They argue that the bill is a necessary step toward supporting young parents during a critical time in their lives. There is an understanding that education and parenting should not be mutually exclusive. However, there can be concerns or reservations from some about the implementation of this bill, particularly regarding resource allocation for schools to provide these accommodations effectively.
Contention
Some points of contention may arise around the practical application of the bill's provisions. Discussions focus on how schools will manage the logistics of accommodating parenting students, especially in areas with limited resources. Additionally, concerns might be raised about the potential for disparities in support levels across different school districts, depending on their financial capabilities and administrative structures. The need for clear guidelines on enforcement and support could become a subject of ongoing legislative debate.
To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.
To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.
To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.
An Act For The Department Of Education - Division Of Elementary And Secondary Education - Public School Fund Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.