Bill > HB1236

This bill allows public school employees (including those at open-enrollment public charter schools) to unilaterally rescind their signed contract for the subsequent school year by submitting a written request to their superintendent or school director. The request must be submitted before the end of the business day on May 15 (or the Friday before May 15 if that date falls on a weekend). The bill provides a specific process for employees to withdraw from their employment contracts for the upcoming school year with a clear deadline. The bill includes an emergency clause, which means it will become effective immediately upon approval by the Governor or through other specified legislative procedures, with the rationale that school districts need to begin drafting employee contracts as early as March 2025 for the 2025-2026 school year. The legislation notes that these new rights do not conflict with existing contract requirements and restrictions outlined in another section of Arkansas code (§ 6-17-2403). The bill aims to provide more flexibility for public school employees in managing their employment contracts.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1236&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R