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HB 1719

TO AMEND THE DAYS INCLUDED IN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MATERNITY LEAVE DAYS APPROVED BY A SCHOOL THAT OFFERS MATERNITY LEAVE.

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

HB 1719 expands maternity leave for Arkansas school personnel by excluding non-instructional days from leave counts, ensuring better support for new parents.

Notification that HB1719 is now Act 905
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1719

Summary of House Bill 1719 (HB 1719)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1719 (HB 1719) aims to amend the regulations surrounding maternity leave for school personnel in Arkansas. The primary intent of the bill is to clarify and expand the days that can be counted as maternity leave, ensuring that certain non-instructional days do not reduce the total number of maternity leave days available to eligible employees.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces specific amendments to Arkansas Code § 6-17-122, which governs optional paid maternity leave policies in public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools. The key provisions include:

  1. Exclusion of Non-Instructional Days:

    • Any holiday or designated non-instructional day during a contract year will not count towards the total number of maternity leave days approved for an individual eligible for paid maternity leave.

  2. Paid Leave on Unpaid Contract Days:

    • If a day approved as maternity leave falls on an unpaid contract day, that day will still qualify for paid maternity leave.

  3. Definition of "School":

    • The term "school" is defined to include public school districts, open-enrollment public charter schools, and private schools that offer maternity leave under this section or as per their own policies.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects:
- School Personnel: Employees of public school districts and charter schools who are eligible for maternity leave.
- School Districts and Charter Schools: Institutions that provide maternity leave policies will need to adjust their practices to comply with the new regulations.

Fiscal Impact

According to the fiscal impact statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, the bill is expected to have no fiscal impact on state funds.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: March 10, 2025
  • Passed: April 15, 2025
  • Enrolled and Transmitted to Governor: April 16, 2025
  • Notification of Act: April 21, 2025 (now known as Act 905)

Conclusion

HB 1719 represents a significant step in enhancing maternity leave policies for school personnel in Arkansas. By ensuring that non-instructional days do not detract from maternity leave entitlements, the bill aims to provide better support for educators during a critical time in their lives. The legislation is now in effect as Act 905.

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

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