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Bill

HB 1571

TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS ADULT DIPLOMA PROGRAM ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Breanne Davis and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1571 boosts adult education in Arkansas by enhancing dropout recovery services and funding, allowing more adults to earn diplomas and workforce credentials.

Notification that HB1571 is now Act 502
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Bill Summary · HB 1571

Summary of HB 1571: Amendment to the Arkansas Adult Diploma Program Act

Bill Number: HB 1571
Title: To Amend the Arkansas Adult Diploma Program Act
Status: Now Act 502
Introduced: February 25, 2025
Sponsor: Representative Ray, Senator B. Davis

Purpose and Intent

HB 1571 aims to amend the Arkansas Adult Diploma Program Act to enhance the framework for adult education and dropout recovery services. The bill seeks to redefine certain terms and establish clearer guidelines for funding and reimbursement processes for approved program providers, ultimately improving access to high school diplomas for adult learners.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to the existing law:

  1. Definitions Update:

    • Adult Dropout Recovery Services: Expanded to include sourcing, recruitment, engagement, learning plan development, active teaching, and proactive coaching.
    • Milestones: Clarified to include various measures of progress, such as:
      • Earned units of high school credit (now defined as half (1/2) credit).
      • Attainment of employability skills certifications and workforce credentials based on training hours.
    • Unit of High School Credit: Defined as one half (1/2) high school credit awarded for meeting content expectations.

  2. Funding and Reimbursement:

    • Approved program providers can receive reimbursement for students who meet defined milestones.
    • Specific reimbursement amounts are established:
      • $250 for each completed half (1/2) high school credit, employability skills certification, or workforce credential requiring up to 50 hours of training.
      • $500 for credentials requiring 51 to 100 hours of training.
      • $750 for credentials requiring over 100 hours of training.
      • $1,000 for each earned high school diploma.

  3. Payment Procedures:

    • Providers will be reimbursed in the order invoices are submitted until funds are exhausted.
    • Notification will be sent to providers once funds are depleted.

  4. Probationary Status:

    • Providers failing to meet performance standards may be placed on probation and required to submit an improvement plan.

  5. Rule Promulgation:

    • The Department of Education, in consultation with the Office of Skills Development, is tasked with creating rules to implement the act, with a deadline for filing by January 1, 2026.

Impact

The amendments made by HB 1571 are expected to:
- Increase the number of adult learners obtaining high school diplomas and workforce credentials.
- Provide clearer guidelines for funding, potentially leading to better resource allocation for adult education programs.
- Enhance the support structure for adult learners through improved dropout recovery services.

Timeline

  • February 25, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • April 10, 2025: Notification that HB 1571 is now Act 502.
  • April 8, 2025: Passed by the Senate and sent to the Governor's Office.
  • January 1, 2026: Deadline for the Department of Education to file initial rules for implementation.

This summary provides an overview of HB 1571, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on adult education in Arkansas.

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

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