Bill > HB1733

This bill aims to consolidate and streamline the Arkansas Better Chance Program and the Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Program by establishing unified eligibility criteria and program administration. The bill recognizes the importance of preschool education in preparing young children for elementary learning and currently notes that these programs have 23,000 available preschool slots. Key changes include expanding the age range of eligible children from three and four years old to birth through five years old, and giving the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education authority to establish consistent eligibility requirements for both programs. The legislation repeals an existing statute (§ 6-45-108) that previously defined program eligibility and replaces it with more flexible language that allows the division to determine qualifications. The bill also clarifies that any child who meets the established qualifications shall be eligible to participate in either program, with the goal of promoting efficiency in program use and administration. Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions allowing the division to award grants, develop programmatic standards, and spend up to 2% of available funds on program administration and monitoring.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1733&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R