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HB 1542

PAID LEAVE FOR ALL-EMPLOYEE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Tony McCombie

House Bill 1542 requires Arkansas private schools to admit all state-funded applicants and participate in annual assessments, enhancing access and accountability in education.

Referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1542

Summary of House Bill 1542 (HB 1542)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1542, introduced by Representative Wooten on February 20, 2025, aimed to establish new requirements for private schools in Arkansas. The bill sought to mandate that private schools administer an annual statewide student assessment and to require these schools to admit any student who applies and intends to cover their costs with state funding.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to existing laws regarding private schools:

  1. Annual Statewide Student Assessment:

    • Private schools would be required to participate in a statewide student assessment system, similar to that already in place for public schools.
    • The assessments would cover various subjects, including literacy, mathematics, and college/career readiness.

  2. Admission Requirements:

    • Private schools would be mandated to admit every student who applies for admission and intends to use state funding to cover tuition costs.
    • This provision aimed to increase access to private education for students utilizing state resources.

  3. Reporting and Accountability:

    • Private schools would need to report assessment results to parents or guardians, ensuring transparency regarding student performance.
    • Schools would be required to maintain the confidentiality and security of assessment data.

  4. Implementation and Oversight:

    • The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education would oversee the implementation of the assessment system.
    • The bill included provisions for the analysis and reporting of student performance data to stakeholders.

Affected Parties

  • Private Schools: All private schools in Arkansas that receive state funding would be directly impacted by the new requirements.
  • Students and Parents: The bill aimed to benefit students seeking private education funded by state resources, ensuring they have access to educational opportunities.
  • State Education Authorities: The Arkansas Department of Education would be responsible for implementing and overseeing the new assessment requirements.

Fiscal Impact

According to the fiscal impact statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, the bill was projected to have no fiscal impact on state revenue.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 20, 2025: HB 1542 was filed and read for the first time.
  • February 20, 2025: The bill was read a second time and referred to the House Education Committee.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not advance for further consideration.

Conclusion

While HB 1542 aimed to enhance accountability and access within private education in Arkansas, it ultimately did not progress through the legislative process. The proposed changes reflected ongoing discussions about the role of private schools in the state's educational landscape and the use of public funding for private education.

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

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