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Bill

HB 1051

TO AMEND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL START DATE REQUIREMENTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wade Andrews and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1051 aimed to standardize Arkansas public school start dates between August 14-26, ensuring clarity for districts and families, but was withdrawn before enactment.

WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
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Bill Summary · HB 1051

Summary of House Bill 1051

Bill Number: HB 1051
Title: To Amend the Public School Start Date Requirements
Status: Withdrawn by Author
Introduced: November 21, 2024
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1051 aimed to amend the existing requirements for the start date of the school year for public schools in Arkansas. The intent was to provide clearer guidelines for school districts regarding when they could commence the academic year, ensuring that the start date aligns with specific parameters while allowing for flexibility under certain circumstances.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to Arkansas Code § 6-10-106(a):

  1. Establishment of Start Date:

    • Each public school district or open-enrollment public charter school would set the first day of the school year for student attendance within the following parameters:
      • On or after the Monday of the week in which August 19 falls.
      • Not earlier than August 14.
      • Not later than August 26.

  2. Labor Day Holiday:

    • Labor Day was to be recognized as a school holiday, prohibiting school sessions on that day.

  3. Waiver Provision:

    • The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education could grant waivers for school districts to start earlier or later than the established dates if there were substantial reasons, such as:
      • Contagious disease outbreaks.
      • Inclement weather.
      • Other extraordinary circumstances.

  4. Emergency Clause:

    • An emergency clause was included, stating that the bill was necessary for the timely establishment of school calendars, which are crucial for teacher and administrator contracts. The bill would take effect immediately upon approval by the Governor or under specific conditions if not vetoed.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1051 would have affected all public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in Arkansas by standardizing the start dates for the school year. It aimed to provide clarity and consistency for school administrators and families regarding the academic calendar.

Legislative Actions

  • March 18, 2025: Withdrawn by the author.
  • January 15, 2025: Placed on second reading for amendment; Amendment No. 1 was adopted.
  • January 13, 2025: Read for the first time and referred to the House Education Committee.
  • November 21, 2024: Filed for consideration.

This summary provides a clear overview of House Bill 1051, its intended changes to school start date requirements, and the legislative process it underwent before being withdrawn.

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

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