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HB 1651

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION - PUBLIC SCHOOL FUND - R.I.S.E. - ARKANSAS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Zack Gramlich

HB 1651 aimed to allocate $9.5 million for Arkansas' R.I.S.E. program to boost math and science education in public schools but died in committee.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1651

Summary of House Bill 1651

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 1651
  • Title: AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION - PUBLIC SCHOOL FUND - R.I.S.E. - ARKANSAS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR
  • Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
  • Introduced: March 03, 2025
  • Sponsor: Representative Gramlich

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1651 aimed to appropriate funds for the R.I.S.E. (Reading Initiative for Student Excellence) Arkansas program, which is designed to enhance educational outcomes in the state’s public schools, particularly in the areas of math and science. The bill sought to ensure that local school districts receive necessary financial support to implement these educational programs effectively.

Key Provisions

  • Appropriation Amount: The bill proposed an appropriation of $9,500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
  • Funding Source: The funds were to be allocated from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Public School Fund Account.
  • Compliance Requirements: The disbursement of funds was subject to compliance with various state laws, including:
    • State Procurement Law
    • General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law
    • Revenue Stabilization Law
    • Regular Salary Procedures and Restrictions Act
  • Legislative Intent: The bill emphasized that the funds should be used in alignment with the stated purposes and recommendations from the Department of Finance and Administration.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1651 would have provided significant financial resources to local school districts in Arkansas, enabling them to enhance their math and science curricula under the R.I.S.E. Arkansas initiative. This funding was intended to support educational programs that could improve student performance and educational equity across the state.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 03, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time; rules suspended for a second reading and referred to the Joint Budget Committee.
  • May 05, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress further in the legislative process.

Conclusion

House Bill 1651 represented an effort to bolster educational funding in Arkansas, specifically targeting improvements in math and science education through the R.I.S.E. Arkansas program. However, the bill ultimately did not advance beyond the committee stage, preventing the proposed funding from being allocated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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