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HB 1640

EPA-UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Balkema and 25 co-sponsors

Act 476 updates ethical guidelines for Arkansas public school administrators, clarifying roles and restricting employment with contracting parties to ensure accountability.

Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Chris Balkema
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Bill Summary · HB 1640

Summary of House Bill 1640 (Act 476)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1640, now known as Act 476, aims to amend the definitions and ethical guidelines related to public school administrators in Arkansas. The bill seeks to clarify the roles and responsibilities of administrators and to enhance ethical standards governing their employment and interactions with public educational entities.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important changes to existing laws:

  1. Definition of "Administrator":

    • The definition of "administrator" is expanded to include:
      • Superintendents and assistant superintendents
      • School district treasurers and business managers
      • Principals and assistant principals
      • Curriculum directors
      • Any individual directly responsible for entity-wide purchasing

  2. Definition of "Public Educational Entity":

    • The bill clarifies that "public educational entity" encompasses:
      • Arkansas public school districts
      • Public schools and charter schools
      • Education service cooperatives
    • It explicitly excludes institutions of higher education.

  3. Employment Restrictions:

    • The bill amends the restrictions on employment for administrators, stating that:
      • Administrators cannot be employed, act as agents, or work as independent contractors for any party that has a contract with the public educational entity they serve, unless they receive written approval from both the public school district board and the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Affected Parties

The primary parties affected by this legislation include:
- Public school administrators in Arkansas, who will be subject to the revised definitions and ethical guidelines.
- Public educational entities, which will have clearer standards for administrator conduct and employment restrictions.
- The Arkansas Department of Education, which will oversee the implementation of these changes.

Fiscal Impact

According to the Fiscal Impact Statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, the bill is projected to have no fiscal impact on state revenue.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: March 3, 2025
  • Passed: April 1, 2025
  • Enrolled and Transmitted to Governor: April 2, 2025
  • Notification of Act 476: April 8, 2025

Conclusion

House Bill 1640 (Act 476) represents a significant update to the ethical guidelines and employment restrictions for public school administrators in Arkansas. By clarifying definitions and enhancing ethical standards, the bill aims to promote integrity and accountability within the state's educational system.

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

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