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HB 1239

TO AMEND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING ACT OF 2003; AND TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL CATEGORY OF FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Collins and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1239 sought to allocate $3,862 per student for special education, benefiting 81,777 students with disabilities, but it died in committee without a vote.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1239

Summary of House Bill 1239

Bill Number: HB 1239
Title: To Amend the Public School Funding Act of 2003; and to Add an Additional Category of Funding for Special Education Funding
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: January 27, 2025
Sponsor: Representative A. Collins, Representative Springer

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1239 aimed to amend the existing Public School Funding Act of 2003 by introducing a new category of funding specifically for special education. The intent of the bill was to enhance financial support for students with disabilities who require special education services, ensuring that their educational needs are adequately met.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following significant changes:

  1. New Funding Category:

    • The bill sought to add a new subdivision to Arkansas Code § 6-20-2305(b) to establish a dedicated funding mechanism for special education.

  2. Funding Amount:

    • For the 2025-2026 school year and each subsequent year, the funding for special education would be set at $3,862 per student who receives special education and related services as outlined in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

  3. Distribution of Funds:

    • The bill stipulated that the distribution of these funds would be governed by rules established by the state board of education.
    • Importantly, the special education funding would not be included in the calculation of the state foundation funding aid amount.

Fiscal Impact

The fiscal impact statement indicated that the implementation of this bill would require an estimated $276,260,446 in funding. This estimate was based on the number of K-12 students with IEPs, which was reported to be 71,533 students, along with an additional 10,244 students aged 3-5.

Affected Parties

  • Students with Disabilities: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be the approximately 81,777 students identified as needing special education services.
  • Public Schools: Schools would receive additional funding to support the educational needs of these students, potentially improving educational outcomes and resources available for special education.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 27, 2025: HB 1239 was filed and read for the first time. The rules were suspended, and it was read a second time before being referred to the House Education Committee.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress to a vote or further consideration.

Conclusion

While HB 1239 aimed to provide critical funding for special education in Arkansas, it ultimately did not advance through the legislative process. The proposed changes highlighted the ongoing need for adequate financial resources to support students with disabilities in the state's public education system.

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

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