Bill
HB 1199
House Bill 1199 allows Arkansas school districts to grant legal student transfers without current restrictions, enhancing flexibility and educational opportunities for students.
Bill Number: HB 1199
Title: Relating to Office of Legislative Analyst
Status: Referred to LMG, FIN, referral sheet 4
Introduced: January 22, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Fiscal Notes, Office of Legislative Analyst, Transparency
House Bill 1199 aims to repeal a statute that currently prohibits school district boards of directors from granting legal student transfers under specific conditions. The bill seeks to enhance the flexibility of school districts in managing student transfers, particularly in the context of desegregation-related court orders.
Repeal of Prohibition: The bill proposes the repeal of Arkansas Code § 6-18-317, which restricts school district boards from granting legal transfers when either the resident or receiving district is under a desegregation-related court order.
Affidavit Requirement: Currently, any legal transfer must be accompanied by an affidavit from both school district boards, confirming that the transfer does not violate existing prohibitions. This requirement would be eliminated under the new provisions.
State Aid Withholding: The existing law stipulates that if a transfer does not comply with the affidavit requirement, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may withhold state aid from the districts involved. This provision would also be removed.
School Districts: The primary entities affected by this bill are local school district boards of directors, which would gain more authority to manage student transfers without the constraints of the current prohibition.
Students and Families: Students seeking to transfer between districts may benefit from increased opportunities for legal transfers, potentially allowing for better educational placements.
State Education Authorities: The Arkansas Department of Education will also be impacted, as the bill alters the current processes for student transfers and the associated state aid implications.
House Bill 1199 represents a significant change in the legislative framework governing student transfers between school districts in Arkansas. By repealing existing prohibitions, the bill aims to provide greater flexibility for school boards and improve educational opportunities for students. The absence of a fiscal impact suggests that the changes will not impose additional costs on the state budget.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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