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HB 1941

CONCERNING DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS; AND TO PROTECT ARKANSAS STUDENTS BY ENSURING THE EFFICIENT DISPOSITION OF ETHICS COMPLAINTS AGAINST TEACHERS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Carr and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1941 streamlines ethics complaint processes for educators in Arkansas, enhancing accountability and transparency to better protect students and improve educational integrity.

Notification that HB1941 is now Act 809
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Bill Summary · HB 1941

Summary of House Bill 1941 (HB 1941)

Overview

House Bill 1941, now known as Act 809, was introduced on March 31, 2025, by Representative Joey Carr and Senator J. English. The bill aims to enhance the efficiency of the Arkansas Department of Education by restructuring certain boards and commissions and ensuring a streamlined process for handling ethics complaints against teachers.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 1941 is to:
- Improve the operational efficiency of government bodies within the Department of Education.
- Protect Arkansas students by establishing a more effective system for addressing and resolving ethics complaints against educators.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments to the Arkansas Code, particularly concerning the Professional Licensure Standards Board and the handling of ethics complaints:

1. Professional Licensure Standards Board Membership

  • Members will serve staggered three-year terms, with a limit of three terms per member.
  • The State Board of Education is responsible for appointing replacements for any vacated positions.

2. Ethics Complaint Procedures

  • The Professional Licensure Standards Board is tasked with establishing clear procedures for:
    • Receiving and investigating ethics complaints (both electronically and in writing).
    • Enforcing the code of ethics for educators.
    • Conducting hearings related to ethics violations.
    • Publicizing enforcement recommendations.

3. Ethics Subcommittee

  • An ethics subcommittee will be formed within the Professional Licensure Standards Board, ensuring equal representation from public school teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders.

4. Sanctions for Violations

  • The subcommittee can recommend various sanctions for ethical violations, including:
    • Written warnings or reprimands.
    • Nonrenewal or denial of educator licenses.
    • Private letters of caution.
  • Complaints may be dismissed if no violation is found.

5. Public Disclosure

  • The bill mandates that information regarding ethics violations, including the nature of the violation and imposed sanctions, be made publicly available on the division's website.

6. Hearing Procedures

  • Educators facing ethics complaints have the right to a hearing, where they can be represented and present their case.
  • Decisions made by the Professional Licensure Standards Board can be appealed to the State Board of Education within 30 days.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1941 is expected to:
- Streamline the process for addressing ethics complaints, making it more efficient and transparent.
- Enhance accountability among educators by clearly outlining the consequences of ethical violations.
- Provide a structured framework for the Professional Licensure Standards Board to operate effectively.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 31, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 1, 2025: Bill passed through initial readings and committee reviews.
  • April 14, 2025: Passed by both the House and Senate.
  • April 17, 2025: Notification that HB 1941 is now Act 809.

Conclusion

HB 1941 represents a significant reform in the governance of education ethics in Arkansas, aiming to protect students and improve the integrity of the teaching profession through more efficient processes and clearer accountability measures.

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

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