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HR 1008

TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL FREEDOM ACCOUNT PROGRAM.

2026 Fiscal Session Introduced by Jim Wooten

Arkansas CEF A would cap annual participant funding at 90% of prior foundation funding (up to $5,000 for homeschooled students) and tie continued eligibility to minimum annual test

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HR 1008

Summary of HR 1008 (2026 Session, Arkansas)

Purpose and Intent

  • HR 1008 authorizes the introduction of a nonappropriation bill related to the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account (CEF A) program.
  • The measure would amend several provisions of the CEF A program, including annual funding allocations to participating students, testing requirements, and eligibility rules.
  • The bill is framed as an authorization for a bill introduced by a senator, with the objective of modifying the CEF A program’s funding, testing, and eligibility parameters.

Key Provisions and Changes

1) Annual Funding Allocation to Participating Students

  • Section 1 (amending § 6-18-2505(a)(1)):
    • Each participating student’s account would receive an annual allocation equal to 90% of the prior year’s statewide foundation funding per student (as defined by § 6-20-2305), from funds appropriated to the CEF A Fund or otherwise available for the program.
    • Homeschooled students would receive up to $5,000 per school year, maximum, under the same 90% formula limit.

2) Disbursement of Funds and Use for Qualifying Expenses

  • Section 2 (amending § 6-18-2505(b)(1)):
    • Disbursements from a participating student’s account would be made to the student’s enrolled school or to a participating service provider for qualifying expenses, as directed by the student’s parent.
    • A disbursement to the account for a school or provider would occur only after the student achieves at least the minimum score established by the division on the annual assessment required under § 6-18-2509.

3) Eligibility Continuation and Testing Thresholds

  • Section 3 (amending § 6-18-2505(g)):
    • The Division must create a fair process to determine continued eligibility, including cases where academic achievement or growth declines.
    • Establishes a minimum score requirement on the annual assessment (as determined by the state board) for continued participation.
    • Specific exemptions:
    • The minimum score requirement does not apply to students whose previous public school year was rated “D” or “F” or to students with an individualized service plan needing an exemption due to significant cognitive disability.
    • If a student fails to meet the minimum score, the amount they are eligible to receive may be reduced (based on a method determined by the state board) and the student could lose eligibility at the start of the next school year.

4) Additional Ineligibility Restrictions

  • Section 4 (adds § 6-18-2506(k)):
    • New ineligibility criteria:
    • A student who attends a private school at the time of initial application for an account shall not be eligible.
    • A student who previously had an account and attended a private school in Arkansas before applying/being awarded shall not be eligible.

5) Annual Assessment Requirements and Alternatives

  • Section 5 (amending § 6-18-2509):
    • Annual assessments for participating students must be approved by the State Board of Education and can be:
    • A public-school required examination, or
    • A state board-approved nationally norm-referenced test or statewide assessment measuring literacy and math.
    • Assessments must be administered by an educational service cooperative in Arkansas.
    • Exemptions:
    • Students with an individualized service plan requiring exemption from standardized testing due to significant cognitive disability are exempt from the standard test.
    • Private schools must provide an alternative assessment or a portfolio showing progress if the student is exempt from the standard test.
    • For students served by a participating service provider that is not a private school, parents must arrange for the required assessment to be administered by an educational service cooperative.

6) Testing for Homeschooled Participants

  • Section 6 (adds a reporting provision to § 12-18-402(b)):
    • Mandated reporters include a person who is a participating service provider to a homeschooled participating student under the CEF A Program.

Who Is Affected

  • Participating students in the Arkansas CEF A program (and their parents/guardians):
    • Receives a capped annual account amount (90% of prior year per-student foundation funding; up to $5,000 for homeschooled students).
    • Face eligibility determinations tied to annual assessment performance, with exemptions for certain cases.
  • Private schools and participating service providers:
    • Fund disbursements to these entities for qualifying expenses, contingent on meeting assessment requirements.
  • Public and private schools and educational service cooperatives:
    • Administer annual assessments and ensure compliance with testing provisions.
  • Homeschooled students:
    • Subject to updated provisions, including testing and service-provider reporting under the program.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective date not specified in the text provided; the bill was filed on April 8, 2026.
  • The action history indicates the bill died in the House Committee on Sine Die adjournment (April 29, 2026), meaning it did not advance to final passage in that session.

Potential Impact

  • Financial: Shifts to a 90% of prior year foundation funding level per participant, with a $5,000 annual cap for homeschooled students.
  • Academic accountability: Introduces minimum assessment thresholds for continued participation, with several exemptions and potential pruning of benefits for underperforming students.
  • Eligibility controls: Tightens who can participate (restrictions against initial private-school entrants and those who previously attended private schools).
  • Oversight and administration: Requires standardized assessment administration through educational service cooperatives and expanded reporting for homeschooled participants.

Note: The bill did not become law in this session, as indicated by the “Died in House Committee” action.

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

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