HB1239
To Amend The Public School Funding Act Of 2003; And To Add An Additional Category Of Funding For Special Education Funding.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1239 proposes an amendment to the Public School Funding Act of 2003 in Arkansas. The bill establishes a specific funding mechanism for special education services beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. It mandates a set funding amount of $3,862 per student receiving special education and related services through an individualized education program (IEP). The bill stipulates that these funds must be distributed according to rules promulgated by the state board and must remain separate from state foundation funding aid. This measure is intended to provide dedicated financial resources for students with special needs.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are students who receive special education and related services through an individualized education plan, as it provides a dedicated funding stream for their specific educational requirements. Additionally, public school districts and educational institutions in Arkansas stand to benefit by receiving increased and specifically allocated financial resources to support the delivery of necessary special education services.
Who Might Suffer?
The bill could negatively impact state government agencies and taxpayers, as the implementation of this new funding category necessitates additional expenditures from the state budget. Because the funding is carved out separately from state foundation aid, it may require the state to reallocate resources from other public education areas or other government sectors to cover the mandated per-student costs.
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