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HB 1483

TO ALLOW A PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT TO USE STATE FUNDS TO PAY FOR AN ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM WITH WHICH IT CONTRACTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Justin Boyd and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1483 aimed to let Arkansas public schools use state funds for adult education programs, enhancing opportunities for students aged 16-17, but it died in committee.

Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1483

Summary of House Bill 1483

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 1483
  • Title: To Allow a Public School District to Use State Funds to Pay for an Adult Education Program with Which It Contracts
  • Status: Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment
  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • Sponsor: Representative Gramlich

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1483 aimed to enable public school districts in Arkansas to utilize state funds for contracting adult education programs. The bill sought to enhance educational opportunities for students, particularly those aged sixteen and seventeen, by allowing school districts to fund programs that provide essential educational services, including General Educational Development (GED) programs.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following amendments to Arkansas Code § 6-18-201:

  • Contractual Flexibility: Public school districts would be permitted to negotiate contracts with adult education programs to provide educational services to students aged sixteen and seventeen.

  • Use of State Funds: The bill explicitly allowed school districts to use available state funds, including state foundation funding aid, to pay for these contracted adult education programs.

  • Accountability Measures: The bill included provisions for accountability, requiring monitoring of student progress and attendance to ensure effective educational outcomes.

Affected Parties

  • Public School Districts: The primary beneficiaries would be public school districts that could now allocate state funds for adult education programs.

  • Students: Specifically, students aged sixteen and seventeen enrolled in public school districts would gain access to additional educational resources and opportunities.

  • Adult Education Programs: Organizations providing adult education services would have the opportunity to partner with school districts, potentially increasing their funding and reach.

Fiscal Impact

According to the Fiscal Impact Statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, there was no fiscal impact anticipated from the implementation of this bill.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 13, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 18, 2025: Amendment No. 1 was adopted, and the bill was ordered engrossed.
  • April 8, 2025: The bill was received by the Senate, read for the first time, and referred to the Senate Education Committee.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

While HB 1483 aimed to improve access to adult education for young students in Arkansas, it ultimately did not progress past the Senate Committee stage. The proposed changes reflected a significant shift in how public school districts could utilize state funds for educational programs, emphasizing the importance of adult education in supporting student success.

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

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