RELATING TO CORRECTIONS.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Hashem

House Bill 1812 allows students who pass the GED to be exempt from dropout counts and attendance rules, enhancing educational options for those 16 and older.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 225).

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Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1812 (HB 1812) aims to amend existing laws related to the Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act. The primary focus of the bill is to create exceptions to school attendance requirements for students who take and pass the General Educational Development (GED) test. This legislation seeks to enhance educational opportunities for students who may not be able to complete traditional schooling.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments to existing Arkansas Code:

Exemption from Dropout Calculations:

Students who pass the GED test will not be counted as dropouts when calculating a public school district's five-year graduation rate.

Attendance Requirement Exceptions:

Students who receive a GED or a high school diploma are exempt from mandatory school attendance requirements.
Students aged 16 and older enrolled in adult education programs or the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program are also exempt.

Requirements for GED Test Enrollment:

Students aged 16 or 17 enrolled in private, parochial, or home schools must meet specific criteria to enroll in adult education programs or take the GED test, including:
- Providing verification of enrollment from their school.
- Achieving a minimum score on the Test for Adult Basic Education or the GED practice test.

Removal of Permission Requirements:

Public school students will no longer need permission from school officials to take the GED test.

Affected Parties

Students: The bill primarily affects students aged 16 and older who are seeking alternative educational pathways through the GED.

Public School Districts: The changes in dropout calculations and attendance requirements will impact how districts report graduation rates and manage student enrollment.

Educational Institutions: Adult education programs and private schools will need to adapt to the new requirements for students wishing to take the GED.

Procedural Timeline

Introduced: March 17, 2025

Passed: The bill has undergone several readings and amendments, with significant actions including:

April 9, 2025: Passed with amendments in the Senate.
April 16, 2025: Correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office.
April 21, 2025: Notification that HB 1812 is now Act 918.

Conclusion

House Bill 1812 represents a significant shift in educational policy in Arkansas, aiming to provide greater flexibility and support for students pursuing their GED. By removing certain barriers to enrollment and attendance, the bill seeks to improve educational outcomes and graduation rates for non-traditional students.

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