Bill > HB1945

This bill amends Arkansas' public school choice laws to expand students' options for transferring between schools within their resident district and to other school districts. The bill allows students to transfer to another public school within their resident district or to a nonresident district under several conditions, including if the current school is rated poorly, if the student or parent believes the transfer is in the student's best interest, or if certain other specified circumstances exist. Key provisions include requiring school districts to establish transfer policies, publicly post these policies, and accept applications between January 1 and May 1 each year. The bill also mandates that receiving schools accept transfer students' credits, award diplomas if graduation requirements are met, and not discriminate based on various factors. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to report annually on transfer applications, including the number of acceptances and denials. Transfer students are protected from being denied extracurricular activities solely because of their transfer and must complete a standard transfer form for athletic participation. The legislation aims to provide more educational flexibility for students while establishing clear guidelines for inter-district and intra-district school transfers.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1945&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R