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Bill Summary · HB 1541

Summary of House Bill 1541

Bill Number: HB 1541
Title: To Require a Private School That Accepts State Funding of Any Type to Provide Transportation to Certain Students Enrolled in the School
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Sponsor: Representative Wooten

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1541 aimed to mandate that private schools receiving any form of state funding provide transportation services for enrolled students living within a 35-mile radius of the school. The intent behind this legislation was to ensure that students attending private schools, which benefit from public funding, have access to necessary transportation, thereby promoting equitable access to education.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following key provisions:

  1. Transportation Requirement:

    • Private schools accepting state funding must provide transportation for students who live within 35 miles of the school.

  2. Financial Responsibility:

    • The cost of transportation would be fully borne by the private school, ensuring that no additional financial burden is placed on the students or their families.

  3. Definition of Private School:

    • The bill defined a "private school" as any nonpublic institution offering K-12 education in Arkansas that receives state funding in any amount.

Affected Parties

  • Private Schools: All nonpublic schools in Arkansas that accept state funding would be required to comply with the transportation mandate.
  • Students and Families: Students enrolled in these private schools, particularly those living within the specified distance, would benefit from the provision of transportation services.
  • State Education System: The bill would have implications for how state funding is allocated and monitored in relation to private educational institutions.

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. This suggests that the requirement for transportation would not necessitate additional funding from the state budget.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 20, 2025: HB 1541 was filed and read for the first time.
  • February 20, 2025: The bill was read a second time, rules were suspended, and it was referred to the House Education Committee.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress further in the legislative process.

Conclusion

While HB 1541 sought to enhance access to education for students attending private schools through mandated transportation services, it ultimately did not advance beyond the committee stage. The proposal highlighted ongoing discussions about the responsibilities of private institutions receiving public funds and the importance of equitable access to educational resources.

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

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