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Bill

HB 1528

TO REQUIRE A REPORT CARD TO INCLUDE A STUDENT'S CURRENT READING GRADE LEVEL.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jessie McGruder and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1528 aimed to require Arkansas public school report cards to show students' reading grade levels, enhancing literacy transparency for parents and guardians.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1528

Summary of House Bill 1528

Bill Number: HB 1528
Title: To Require a Report Card to Include a Student's Current Reading Grade Level
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: February 19, 2025
Sponsor: Representative McGruder, Senator J. Scott
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1528 aimed to enhance the transparency of student performance in literacy by mandating that public school report cards include a student's current reading grade level. The intent behind this legislation was to provide parents and guardians with clearer insights into their child's reading abilities, thereby fostering better communication between schools and families regarding literacy development.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Existing Law: The bill proposed an amendment to Arkansas Code § 6-15-903, which governs the content of report cards issued by public school districts.
  • New Requirement: The amendment would add a new subsection requiring that report cards include a statement reflecting the student's current reading grade level.

Affected Parties

  • Students: All public school students in Arkansas would have their reading grade levels reported on their report cards.
  • Parents and Guardians: The inclusion of reading grade levels aims to provide parents with essential information to support their children's literacy development.
  • Public School Districts: Schools would need to adjust their report card formats to comply with the new requirement.

Fiscal Impact

According to the Fiscal Impact Statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, there would be no fiscal impact associated with the implementation of this bill. This suggests that the changes could be integrated into existing reporting practices without incurring additional costs.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 19, 2025: HB 1528 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 1528 sought to improve literacy reporting in Arkansas schools by requiring the inclusion of reading grade levels on report cards, it ultimately did not advance through the legislative process. The proposal reflected a growing emphasis on literacy and accountability in education, although it was not enacted during the 2025 legislative session.

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

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