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HB 1727

TO AMEND THE FUNDING AVAILABLE TO ADULT EDUCATION CHARTER SCHOOLS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lee Johnson

House Bill 1727 aimed to enhance funding for adult education charter schools in Arkansas, ensuring better support and accountability for adult learners' success.

WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
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Bill Summary · HB 1727

Summary of House Bill 1727

Bill Number: HB 1727
Title: To Amend the Funding Available to Adult Education Charter Schools
Status: Withdrawn by Author
Introduced: March 10, 2025
Sponsor: Representative L. Johnson

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1727 aimed to amend existing laws regarding the funding mechanisms for adult education charter schools in Arkansas. The primary intent was to establish a clearer framework for how these schools could receive funding, ensuring they are supported adequately to provide educational services to adult learners.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to the funding structure for adult education charter schools:

  1. Funding Sources:

    • The bill sought to prohibit funding for adult education charter schools from the Division of Career and Technical Education Public School Fund Account.
    • It allowed for funding to come from both public and private sources, including the eligible entity operating the adult education charter school.

  2. Per Student Funding:

    • Adult education charter schools would receive a per-student funding amount equivalent to the per-pupil foundation funding established under Arkansas Code § 6-20-2305.

  3. Reporting Requirements:

    • Schools receiving funding under this bill would be required to submit an annual report to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Legislative Council. This report would include:
      • Graduation rates of students attending the adult education charter school.
      • Employment rates of students who were enrolled in the adult education charter school.

  4. Annual Review:

    • The funding provided under this bill would be subject to an annual review based on the data submitted in the reports.

Fiscal Impact

The fiscal impact statement indicated that the proposed changes could result in a revenue impact of approximately $2,991,530. This estimate was based on the Excel Center’s FY25 second quarter Average Daily Membership (ADM) of 366.56 and a recommended funding adequacy of $8,161 for FY26.

Affected Parties

The bill would have primarily affected adult education charter schools in Arkansas, their students, and the entities that operate these schools. By altering the funding structure, the bill aimed to enhance the educational opportunities available to adult learners.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 10, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 19, 2025:
    • Bill placed on second reading for amendment.
    • Amendment No. 1 adopted, which clarified reporting requirements.
    • Bill reported correctly engrossed.
  • April 14, 2025: Bill withdrawn by the author.

Conclusion

While House Bill 1727 was designed to improve funding for adult education charter schools in Arkansas, it was ultimately withdrawn by the author before further legislative action could take place. The proposed changes highlighted the need for a structured approach to funding adult education, emphasizing accountability through reporting on student outcomes.

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

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