RELATING TO A LEAVE CASH-OUT PROGRAM.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 15 co-sponsors

HB 1945 allows Arkansas students to transfer between public schools in their district, enhancing educational options for families and ensuring better school fit.

The committee on LBT deferred the measure.

#appropriation #departmentofcorrectionsandrehabilitation #expenditureceiling($) #leavecash-outpilotprogram

# Summary of House Bill 1945 (HB 1945) ## Purpose and Intent House Bill 1945 (HB 1945) aims to amend the Arkansas Opportunity Public School Choice Act and the Public School Choice Act of 2015. The primary intent of the bill is to facilitate student transfers between public schools within a student's resident district, thereby enhancing educational opportunities and flexibility for students and their families. ## Key Provisions The bill introduces several amendments to existing laws regarding student transfers, including: 1. **Transfer Eligibility**: - Students may transfer to another public school within their resident district or to a nonresident school district if: - The resident public school district is classified as needing intensive support. - The resident public school has received an "F" rating. - The parent or student believes that transferring is in the best interest of the student. 2. **Notification Requirements**: - Parents or guardians must notify both the resident and nonresident school districts of the transfer request between January 1 and May 1 of the school year preceding the intended transfer. 3. **Irrevocable Transfers**: - Once a transfer is made, it remains in effect for the entire school year and until the student completes high school, unless a new application is made. 4. **Capacity Claims**: - A school district can claim a lack of capacity for accepting new students only if it has reached the maximum student-to-teacher ratio or if 95% or more of the seats at the relevant grade level are filled. 5. **Credit Transfer**: - Schools accepting transferring students must recognize credits earned at previous schools toward graduation requirements. 6. **Compliance Requirements**: - Students must comply with their new school's attendance and conduct policies to maintain their transfer status. ## Affected Parties - **Students and Families**: The bill directly impacts students seeking better educational environments and their families who wish to make informed decisions about school placements. - **Public Schools**: Schools within both resident and nonresident districts will need to adapt to potential increases in student transfers and manage capacity issues accordingly. ## Procedural Aspects - **Introduced**: March 31, 2025 - **Status**: The bill was deferred by the committee on LBT and has undergone multiple readings and amendments. - **Legislative Actions**: The bill has passed through various legislative stages, including committee reviews and amendments, and is currently awaiting further action. ## Conclusion HB 1945 seeks to enhance educational choice for Arkansas students by simplifying the transfer process between public schools. By addressing eligibility criteria, notification processes, and compliance requirements, the bill aims to create a more flexible educational landscape that responds to the needs of students and families.