SB568

Senate Bill 568 amends the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program to allow certain students to receive funding from both this program and the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids (PIAK) Program. Specifically, it enables students with disabilities who meet low-income criteria—defined as having a family income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines—to qualify for dual funding. This combined funding is restricted to the amount necessary to cover qualifying educational expenses. The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon becoming law to ensure the Department of Education has sufficient time to promulgate necessary rules before the 2023-2024 school year. The primary objective is to increase financial support options for students with disabilities from low-income families.