HB1489

House Bill 1489 amends Arkansas Code § 6-16-120(b) to modify the requirements for community service programs and activities that qualify for academic credit in public schools. The bill establishes that for community service to be approved for academic credit, the activity must be vetted and approved by the State Board of Education and the local school district board of directors. Additionally, the service must include preparation, action, and reflection components. The legislation mandates that these programs must be federally or state-approved and must maintain tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Furthermore, the bill introduces a requirement that the community service activity must be vetted and approved by a student's parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis.