RELATING TO A PROGRAM TO CHARACTERIZE CARBON SEQUESTRATION POTENTIAL AND UNDERGROUND WATER RESOURCES STATEWIDE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nadine Nakamura

HB 1020 aimed to repeal the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program, enhancing funding for special education and establishing the Community Schools Act Fund.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

#appropriations($) #carbonsequestration #departmentofbusiness #economicdevelopment #geothermalexploration #positions #report #waterresources #andtourism

Summary of House Bill 1020

Bill Number: HB 1020
Title: To Repeal the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program; To Create a New Education Funding Category for Students Who Receive Special Education and Related Services; and To Create the Community Schools Act Fund.
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: November 20, 2024
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1020 aimed to repeal the existing Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program and establish a new framework for education funding specifically targeting students who receive special education and related services. Additionally, the bill proposed the creation of the Community Schools Act Fund, which would facilitate community-based educational initiatives.

Key Provisions

Repeal of the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program:

The bill sought to eliminate the existing program that allowed funds to be deposited on behalf of participating students for qualifying educational expenses.

Creation of a New Education Funding Category:

A new funding category would be established specifically for students receiving special education services, ensuring that these students have access to necessary resources and support.

Establishment of the Community Schools Act Fund:

This fund would support community schools, which are designed to provide a range of educational and support services to students and families, fostering a collaborative approach to education.

Impact

Students with Disabilities: The primary beneficiaries of the proposed changes would be students who require special education services, as the new funding category aims to enhance their educational opportunities and resources.

Community Schools: The establishment of the Community Schools Act Fund would potentially benefit communities by promoting local educational initiatives and partnerships, thereby addressing broader educational and social needs.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Timeline:

November 20, 2024: Bill filed.
January 13, 2025: Bill read for the first time, rules suspended, and referred to the House Education Committee.
January 16, 2025: The bill was read a second time, amended, and reported correctly engrossed.
May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress to a vote or further consideration.

Conclusion

House Bill 1020 represented an effort to reform educational funding in Arkansas, particularly for students with special needs, while also promoting community involvement in education through the proposed Community Schools Act Fund. However, the bill ultimately did not advance beyond the committee stage.