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2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brad Barrett and 3 co-sponsors

House Bill 1151 invests nearly $56 million in Arkansas vocational education, enhancing opportunities for students and supporting local school districts through grants and salaries.

Representatives Hostettler and Bauer added as coauthors

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Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1151 (HB 1151) aims to make appropriations for personal services, operating expenses, and grants to local school districts and special programs under the Department of Education's Division of Career and Technical Education for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill is designed to enhance vocational and technical education in Arkansas, thereby supporting workforce development and educational opportunities for students.

Key Provisions

HB 1151 includes several significant appropriations and provisions:

Regular Salaries: Establishes maximum salaries and employee positions for the Division of Career and Technical Education, including roles such as:

ACE Director of Career & Technical Education
ADE Special Advisor
Program Coordinators and Administrative Specialists

Total Appropriations: The bill appropriates a total of $2,993,109 for regular salaries and operating expenses for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Vocational & Technical Education Funding:

Federal Vocational & Technical Education: Appropriates $18,910,064, which includes:
- Regular salaries
- Vocational education grants totaling $16,740,680
Coordinated Career Education Services: Allocates $1,119,433 for special needs students.

Vocational Center Aid: Provides $23,240,092 for vocational center grants and aid.

Vocational Start-Up Grants: Appropriates $4,740,000 for start-up grants to support new vocational programs.

Career Coaches Program: Allocates $5,226,539 for operating expenses and grants related to career coaching.

Professional Development: Sets aside $260,000 for the professional development of Career and Technical Education teachers.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects:
- Students: Particularly those in vocational and technical education programs, including special needs students.
- Local School Districts: Through grants and funding for educational programs.
- Department of Education: By providing necessary funding for personnel and operational needs.

Procedural Timeline

Introduced: January 16, 2025

First Reading: January 23, 2025

Passed: The bill passed through various readings and committee approvals, culminating in its passage on February 19, 2025.

Emergency Clause Adopted: This allows the bill to take effect immediately upon being signed into law.

Current Status: As of February 25, 2025, HB 1151 has been enacted as Act 186.

Conclusion

HB 1151 represents a significant investment in Arkansas's vocational and technical education system, aiming to enhance educational opportunities and workforce readiness for students across the state. The appropriations outlined in the bill are intended to support a variety of programs and services that will benefit both students and local educational institutions.

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