Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB76

Introduced
1/19/23  
Refer
1/19/23  
Refer
4/3/23  
Report Pass
4/4/23  
Engrossed
4/5/23  
Enrolled
4/7/23  
Chaptered
4/13/23  

Caption

An Act For The Department Of Education Appropriation For The 2023-2024 Fiscal Year.

Impact

The implications of SB 76 are significant for state educational laws, as it facilitates a more robust financial support structure for public education. This funding is crucial for ongoing educational programs and regulatory compliance, including school safety grants totaling $50 million and educational freedom accounts with an appropriation of $52 million. The bill also recognizes the financial responsibilities tied to charter school closures, ensuring that schools closing in the fiscal year have the necessary funds to settle their outstanding obligations.

Summary

Senate Bill 76 aims to appropriate funds for the Department of Education for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. It includes allocations for personal services, operating expenses, and various programs that support educational initiatives in the state. Specifically, the bill addresses funding for staff salaries, maintenance operations, and loan programs intended to support school districts, open-enrollment public charter schools, and special education initiatives, among others. A key feature of the bill is its focus on maintaining and improving educational infrastructure and resources throughout Arkansas.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 76 appears to be generally positive among advocates for educational improvement, emphasizing the necessity for sustained investment in public education. However, there may be concerns about efficient fund allocation and the effectiveness of the proposed programs. Legislative discussions hint at a recognition of the challenges that many schools face, particularly in terms of resource adequacy and infrastructure, suggesting that while there is agreement on the need for investment, discussions could arise regarding prioritization and funding effectiveness.

Contention

Notable points of contention center on how funds are to be distributed and the degree to which different programs receive priority. Some stakeholders may argue that certain funding measures, such as those connected to charter schools and educational freedom accounts, could detract from traditional public school funding. Additionally, the reliance on federal funds and the management of the allocated appropriations may invoke scrutiny regarding transparency in fiscal management, potentially leading to discussions around accountability for fund use and educational outcomes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB60

An Act For The Department Of Education Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1078

An Act For The Department Of Health Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1074

An Act For The Department Of Human Services - Secretary's Office Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1008

An Act For The Department Of Education - Educational Television Division Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1012

An Act For The Department Of Public Safety Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB58

An Act For The Department Of Education - Division Of Higher Education Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1027

An Act For The Department Of Commerce - Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB23

An Act For The Department Of Commerce - State Insurance Department Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1013

An Act For The Department Of Corrections - Division Of Correction Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1006

An Act For The Department Of The Military Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

Similar Bills

AR SB93

An Act For The Department Of Education Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.

AR SB60

An Act For The Department Of Education Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB63

An Act For The Department Of Education Appropriation For The 2022-2023 Fiscal Year.

AR SB64

An Act For The Department Of Education - Division Of Elementary And Secondary Education - Public School Fund Appropriation For The 2022-2023 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1206

An Act For The Department Of Education - Division Of Elementary And Secondary Education - Public School Fund Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.

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 HB1170

An Act For The Department Of Education - Division Of Elementary And Secondary Education - Public School Fund Appropriation For The 2023-2024 Fiscal Year.

MI SB0354

Education: teachers and administrators; teacher licensing examination; modify. Amends sec. 1531 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531).