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HB 1545

TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS MILITARY CHILD SCHOOL TRANSITIONS ACT OF 2021.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Karilyn Brown and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1545 enhances support for military families by removing enrollment limits, expanding provisions for all students, and improving transitions for students with disabilities.

Notification that HB1545 is now Act 501
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Bill Summary · HB 1545

Summary of HB 1545: Amendment to the Arkansas Military Child School Transitions Act of 2021

Bill Number: HB 1545
Title: To Amend the Arkansas Military Child School Transitions Act of 2021
Status: Now Act 501
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Sponsor: Representative K. Brown, Senator J. English

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 1545 is to enhance the Arkansas Military Child School Transitions Act of 2021, which aims to provide better educational support for children of military families. The bill seeks to address the unique challenges faced by these families, particularly those who are highly mobile due to military service.

Key Provisions

HB 1545 introduces several significant amendments to the existing law:

  1. Elimination of Eligibility Limitations:

    • Removes the one-year limitation on eligibility for children of Gold Star families and medically separated or retired military families.

  2. Expanded Enrollment Provisions:

    • Allows public schools to apply the act's provisions to all students applying for enrollment, not just those who are dependents of uniformed services members.

  3. Advance Enrollment Procedures:

    • Defines specific actions that military families should take when applying for school enrollment prior to their arrival in Arkansas.

  4. Collaboration for Special Education:

    • Expands the authority of special education staff in receiving districts to work proactively with sending districts to ensure smooth transitions for incoming students with disabilities.

  5. Purple Star School Program:

    • Establishes provisions for the development of the Purple Star School Program, which recognizes schools that show a commitment to supporting military families.

Affected Parties

The amendments in HB 1545 primarily affect:
- Military Families: Particularly those with children who are Gold Star family members or who have experienced medical separation or retirement.
- Public Schools: All public schools in Arkansas will need to adapt their enrollment processes and support systems to comply with the new provisions.
- Students with Disabilities: Enhanced collaboration between districts will benefit students with special needs transitioning into new schools.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 20, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 10, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted; bill engrossed.
  • March 19, 2025: Amendment No. 2 adopted; bill ordered engrossed.
  • April 7, 2025: Bill passed in the House and returned from the Senate as passed.
  • April 10, 2025: Notification that HB 1545 is now Act 501.

Fiscal Impact

According to the Arkansas Department of Education, there is no fiscal impact associated with this bill.

This summary provides a clear overview of HB 1545, detailing its purpose, key changes, affected parties, and procedural history, making it accessible for both experts and general readers interested in understanding the implications of this legislation.

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

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