Elections and Primaries; state-wide uniform system of voting equipment; revise provisions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Dolezal and 2 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 303 allows private school students to join public school extracurriculars, boosting inclusivity and providing funding to districts for their participation.

Senate Read and Referred

#elections

# Summary of Senate Bill 303 (SB 303) **Title:** Relating to Public Safety **Introduced:** February 25, 2025 **Status:** Referred to PSM/EIG, CPN/JDC **Sponsor:** Senator Dees, Representative Torres **Fiscal Impact:** Estimated revenue impact of $705,840 ## Purpose and Intent Senate Bill 303 aims to allow private school students to participate in interscholastic activities at their resident public school district under specific conditions. This legislation seeks to enhance opportunities for private school students to engage in extracurricular activities, thereby promoting inclusivity in educational experiences. ## Key Provisions - **Definitions:** The bill introduces several key definitions, including: - **Athletic Activity:** Varsity sports or competitive events involving students from different schools. - **Interscholastic Activity:** Activities outside the regular curriculum, such as sports, fine arts programs, or special interest clubs. - **Private School:** A nonpublic school that is registered as a nonprofit and accredited by a recognized association. - **Resident School District:** The public school district where the student's parent resides. - **Participation Conditions:** - A resident school district may permit a private school student to participate in interscholastic activities if the private school does not offer the desired activity approved by the Arkansas Activities Association. - The private school student must be enrolled in a nonacademic class at their resident school that coincides with the interscholastic activity. - **Funding Provision:** For each private school student participating, the resident school district will receive an amount equal to one-sixth (1/6) of the state foundation funding for the duration of the student's enrollment in the district. ## Affected Parties - **Private School Students:** This bill directly impacts private school students by granting them access to public school extracurricular activities. - **Public School Districts:** Resident school districts will have the opportunity to receive additional funding based on the participation of private school students in interscholastic activities. ## Fiscal Impact The estimated revenue impact of the bill is approximately **$705,840**, based on the assumption that a percentage of private school students will participate in interscholastic activities similar to current homeschool participation rates. ## Legislative Timeline - **February 25, 2025:** Bill introduced and referred to the Education Committee in the Senate. - **March 6, 2025:** Amendments adopted and the bill reported correctly engrossed. - **April 10, 2025:** Passed by both the Senate and House, subsequently ordered to be enrolled and delivered to the Governor. - **April 18, 2025:** SB 303 became Act 644. ## Conclusion Senate Bill 303 represents a significant step towards integrating private school students into public school extracurricular activities, fostering a more inclusive educational environment. The bill's provisions not only enhance student participation but also provide financial incentives for public school districts.