Arkansas House Bill HB1192

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 1/23/23
• Report Pass: 3/30/23
• Engrossed: 4/4/23
• Refer: 4/5/23
• Report Pass: 4/6/23
• Enrolled: 4/10/23
• Chaptered: 4/13/23
• Passed: 4/13/23

Caption

To Repeal The Public School Educational Cooperative Act Of 1981; And To Amend The Education Service Cooperative Act Of 1985.

Impact

The proposed revisions are intended to simplify the collaborative efforts among school districts within education service cooperatives. By repealing the previous act and amending the current one, the bill aspires to enhance accountability and improve the operational framework for educational services shared among districts. This change could lead to better allocation of resources and improved educational programs benefiting students across Arkansas. The bill further emphasizes data collection on student performance, which will provide metrics for evaluating the effectiveness of cooperatives.

Summary

House Bill 1192 aims to repeal the Public School Educational Cooperative Act of 1981 and to amend the Education Service Cooperative Act of 1985. The bill seeks to streamline the governance of education service cooperatives in Arkansas by removing outdated statutes and clarifying powers and responsibilities. It specifically focuses on the operational structure and governance of these cooperatives, ensuring they can efficiently serve the needs of the member school districts.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1192 appears to be generally positive among supporters who view it as a necessary reform for modernizing the structure of educational cooperatives and increasing operational efficiency. However, there may be concerns from skeptics about potential gaps in local governance and decision-making autonomy as the bill centralizes some powers within the cooperatives. The discussions surrounding the bill likely included considerations of balancing central oversight with local needs, making stakeholder sentiments varied.

Contention

A notable point of contention in the discussions around HB 1192 could revolve around the implications of repealing the existing act. Critics might argue that the previous law provided essential governance that ensured local districts retained some control over their cooperative operations. The transition to the new framework could raise questions related to how effectively these cooperatives will address the unique needs of diverse districts, particularly in rural areas. The bill clearly delineates boundaries and responsibilities, which may be viewed differently by those advocating for robust local control versus those favoring state oversight.