everything you want to know (and don't) about arkansas politics

Bi-partisan Sponsorship
Education

HB1144

To Require A Participating School Under The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program To Comply With The Same Statutory And Department Of Education Reporting Requirements To Which Public Schools Are Subject.

Failed

Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Sponsors

AI-Generated Summary

House Bill 1144 amends the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program by establishing new compliance requirements for participating private schools. The bill mandates that these private schools must adhere to the same statutory and Department of Education reporting requirements that are currently imposed on public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools. Private schools are required to fulfill these reporting obligations within thirty days of the deadlines applicable to public schools. Failure to meet these reporting requirements in a timely manner will result in the private school becoming ineligible to participate in the program. The bill aims to standardize transparency and accountability measures across both public and private institutions receiving state educational funding.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the Arkansas Department of Education and the public, as the measure seeks to increase data consistency, transparency, and accountability for private schools that receive state funds through the Educational Freedom Account Program. By aligning reporting requirements, stakeholders may gain a clearer comparative understanding of educational outcomes and operational standards between private and public institutions.

Who Might Suffer?

Private schools currently participating in or considering participation in the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program are the entities most directly impacted. These institutions may face increased administrative burdens, higher compliance costs, and potential loss of eligibility for the program if they fail to meet the reporting deadlines and standards traditionally required of public school districts.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us