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HB 1144

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2025 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Brown and 8 co-sponsors

House Bill 1144 aimed to require private schools in Arkansas' Educational Freedom Account Program to meet the same reporting standards as public schools for accountability.

Signed by the Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1144

Summary of House Bill 1144

Bill Number: HB 1144
Introduced: January 15, 2025
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Sponsor: Representative Wooten

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1144 aimed to ensure that private schools participating in the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program adhere to the same statutory and reporting requirements as public schools. The intent was to create parity between public and private educational institutions regarding accountability and transparency in reporting.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following significant changes:

  • Compliance Requirement:

    • Private schools participating in the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program would be required to comply with the same reporting requirements that public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools are subject to.

  • Reporting Timeline:

    • Private schools must fulfill these reporting obligations within 30 days of the deadlines applicable to public schools.

  • Consequences for Non-Compliance:

    • If a private school failed to comply with the reporting requirements in a timely manner, it would become ineligible to participate in the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program.

Affected Parties

  • Private Schools: The primary impact of this bill would be on private schools that choose to participate in the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program. They would face additional administrative responsibilities and potential consequences for non-compliance.

  • Public Schools: While public schools would not be directly affected, the bill aimed to create a level playing field in terms of accountability, which could indirectly influence public perceptions and policies regarding educational funding and oversight.

Fiscal Impact

According to the Fiscal Impact Statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, there was no direct fiscal impact anticipated from the bill. However, it noted that private schools might incur costs associated with meeting the new reporting requirements.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 15, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • January 29, 2025:
    • The bill was read a second time, and Amendment No. 1 was adopted.
    • The bill was reported correctly engrossed.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1144 sought to enhance accountability for private schools participating in the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program by aligning their reporting requirements with those of public schools. Despite its introduction and amendments, the bill ultimately did not progress beyond the committee stage.

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

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