Bill > HB1986

This bill adds a new provision to Arkansas education law that allows students who are children of fallen service members or fallen first responders to receive excused absences for mental health concerns or to attend support events related to traumatic loss, grief, or resiliency. The bill defines "child" as a biological or adopted son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter, and "first responder" as a firefighter, law enforcement officer, or emergency medical provider. To receive an excused absence, the student must provide written documentation from a parent or guardian about the event, have good academic standing and attendance, and complete missed classwork within the school's required timeframe. The school can verify support organizations using the Department of Education's Resources Page for Military Family Engagement. However, excused absences are not permitted during standardized testing dates. The law applies to public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools, aiming to provide additional support for children who have lost a parent in service-related roles.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1986&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R