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HB 1810

TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND THE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Carr and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1810 consolidates the Arkansas School for the Blind and Deaf under one governing body, enhancing resources and support for students with disabilities.

Notification that HB1810 is now Act 796
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Bill Summary · HB 1810

Summary of House Bill 1810 (Act 796)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1810, now known as Act 796, aims to amend various provisions of the Arkansas Code related to the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf. The primary intent of the bill is to consolidate these two institutions under a single governing body, the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind, thereby streamlining administration and enhancing educational services for students with disabilities.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments to existing laws:

  1. Consolidation of Schools:

    • The Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf will be transferred to operate under the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind.

  2. Definitions of Public Schools:

    • Updates to the definition of "public school" to include the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind, ensuring these institutions are recognized alongside traditional public schools and charter schools.

  3. Reporting Requirements:

    • Mandates that the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf submit student achievement test results and comparative program lists to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

  4. Support for Specific Populations:

    • Allows the state board to adopt alternate processes for determining support levels for schools serving specific populations, including the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind.

  5. Textbook Provision:

    • Establishes the responsibility of the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind to provide braille and large print textbooks for visually impaired students in public schools.

  6. School Worker Defense Program:

    • Expands the entities covered by the School Worker Defense Program to include staff from the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind.

  7. Board of Trustees:

    • Creates an honorary board of trustees for the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind, consisting of five members appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation.

Affected Parties

  • Students: The bill directly impacts students attending the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf by enhancing educational resources and support.
  • Educators and Staff: Teachers and staff at these institutions will be included under the School Worker Defense Program, providing them with additional protections.
  • State Education Agencies: The Arkansas Department of Education will oversee the implementation of the new provisions and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.

Procedural Aspects

  • Emergency Clause: The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage.
  • Legislative Timeline:
    • Introduced on March 17, 2025.
    • Passed through various legislative stages, including amendments and committee reviews, before being signed into law on April 17, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill 1810 represents a significant step towards improving educational services for students with disabilities in Arkansas by consolidating resources and enhancing support systems. The changes outlined in this bill are designed to create a more cohesive and effective educational environment for the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind.

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

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