To Amend The Philanthropic Investment In Arkansas Kids Program Act And The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program; And To Declare An Emergency.
Impact
The proposed changes will affect how educational services are provided to children with disabilities in Arkansas. By allowing students with disabilities to participate in the Educational Freedom Account Program without the previous restrictions that applied to other students, this bill could lead to increased enrollment in various educational settings that best suit these children's needs. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that students in the Succeed Scholarship Program will continue to receive funding corresponding to their previous year's school funding up until they graduate or complete their educational goals, thereby promoting continuity in educational support.
Summary
Senate Bill 5 aims to amend existing statutes related to the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Program and the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program. The bill modifies eligibility requirements to include students with disabilities as defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This inclusion is significant as it expands access to educational funding for families with children facing disabilities, ensuring these students receive appropriate educational resources tailored to their needs. In doing so, the bill reinforces the state's commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support for its focus on inclusivity, it may be met with opposition from those concerned about the financial implications for public education funding and the allocation of resources. Critics may argue that increasing funding for private educational options could undermine public schools, particularly if families choose to divert funds away from traditional public education in favor of private institutions. The discussion around SB5 highlights the ongoing debates about the balance between empowering parental choice in education and ensuring robust support for public education systems.
To Amend Acts 2023, No. 237; And To Amend The Limitation On The Funds A Participating Student May Receive Under The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program.
To Create The Learns Act; To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code As They Relate To Early Childhood Through Grade Twelve Education In The State Of Arkansas; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Amend The Public School Choice Act Of 2015; And To Amend The Eligibility Of Children Of Active Duty Uniformed Services Personnel To Participate In The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program.
To Amend The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program To Allow A Parent Of A Participating Student To Elect To Direct Account Funds To The Resident Public School To Which The Participating Student Is Assigned
To Amend Membership Of The Arkansas State Board Of Public Accountancy; To Amend Law Concerning The Arkansas State Board Of Public Accountancy; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Amend The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Act; To Commercialize The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Program; To Create The Arkansas Commerce Tire Program Act; And To Declare An Emergency.
Concerning Cybersecurity Insurance; To Establish The Arkansas Self-funded Cyber Response Program And The Arkansas Cyber Response Board; And To Create The Arkansas Self-funded Cyber Response Program Trust Fund.
To Terminate The Arkansas Health And Opportunity For Me Program; And To Transfer All Beneficiaries In The Arkansas Home And Opportunity For Me Program To The Traditional Arkansas Medicaid Program.
To Amend Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, ยง 14, And Arkansas Law To Provide That Lottery Proceeds May Be Used For Scholarships And Grants To Arkansans Enrolled In Vocational-technical Schools And Technical Institutes.