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HB 1903

TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE TO PROVIDE SCHOOL DISTRICTS WITH FLEXIBILITY REGARDING ALTERNATIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Harlan Breaux and 6 co-sponsors

HB 1903 allows Arkansas school districts to create flexible alternative learning environments for students facing disciplinary or behavioral challenges, enhancing support.

Notification that HB1903 is now Act 911
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Bill Summary · HB 1903

Summary of HB 1903: Alternative Learning Environments

Bill Number: HB 1903
Title: To Amend Provisions of the Arkansas Code to Provide School Districts with Flexibility Regarding Alternative Learning Environments
Status: Now Act 911
Introduced: March 31, 2025
Sponsor: Representative Walker and others
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

HB 1903 aims to amend existing provisions in the Arkansas Code to grant school districts greater flexibility in establishing and managing alternative learning environments (ALEs). The bill recognizes the need for tailored educational settings for students facing disciplinary, social, or behavioral challenges, thereby enhancing educational opportunities and support for these students.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to the Arkansas Code, particularly in sections related to alternative learning environments:

  1. Flexibility in Establishing ALEs:

    • School districts may provide one or more alternative learning environments for students who meet specific criteria set by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
    • The bill allows districts to establish ALEs through various methods, including:
      • Operating their own ALEs.
      • Collaborating with other school districts.
      • Utilizing ALEs operated by education service cooperatives.
      • Partnering with state-supported institutions of higher education for concurrent courses or technical education.

  2. Disciplinary Policies:

    • The bill amends the disciplinary policy requirements to include provisions for placing students with disciplinary or behavioral issues into ALEs, provided the district offers such environments.

  3. Reporting Requirements:

    • Districts that provide ALEs must submit annual reports to the Division, including:
      • Demographic information (race and gender) of students in ALEs.
      • Any additional information required by the Division.
      • An assurance statement confirming compliance with the relevant chapter of the Arkansas Code.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The primary beneficiaries of this bill are students in Arkansas public schools who require alternative learning environments due to disciplinary or behavioral issues.
    • School districts will gain more autonomy in how they manage and implement ALEs, potentially leading to more effective educational strategies tailored to individual student needs.

  • Fiscal Impact:

    • According to the Fiscal Impact Statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, there is no fiscal impact associated with the implementation of this bill.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 31, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 1, 2025: Bill read for the first time and referred to the House Education Committee.
  • April 9, 2025: Passed by the House and sent to the Senate.
  • April 16, 2025: Passed by the Senate and returned to the House.
  • April 21, 2025: Notification that HB 1903 is now Act 911.

This summary provides an overview of HB 1903, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the impact it is expected to have on Arkansas school districts and students in need of alternative learning environments.

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

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