HB1539
To Amend The Public School Funding Act Of 2003; And To Add An Additional Education Category Of Funding For Special Education.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1539 seeks to amend the Public School Funding Act of 2003 by increasing state financial support for Arkansas public schools. The bill proposes significant increases to per-student foundation funding and specific categorical funding areas, including alternative learning environments, English learner support, and Enhanced Student Achievement funding. A primary focus of the bill is the restructuring of special education funding; it moves this funding out of general foundation aid and establishes a new, dedicated categorical funding stream based on the number of students served under individualized education plans (IEPs). The bill reflects legislative intent to address perceived underfunding in special education, improve pay for classified school staff, and increase support for mental health professionals such as counselors and social workers in schools. It also sets forth specific dollar amounts for school years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to align with updated educational adequacy projections.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries include public school students, particularly those with special needs who will benefit from targeted, categorical funding. Public school classified staff members stand to benefit from proposed wage increases intended to combat inflation and improve retention. Additionally, public school districts themselves will receive increased financial support through higher foundation funding amounts and supplementary categorical funds, potentially allowing for the hiring of more counselors, social workers, and special education teachers.
Who Might Suffer?
The state government and taxpayers of Arkansas are the primary entities negatively impacted, as the bill requires a significant increase in the allocation of state tax dollars to meet the higher funding levels outlined in the act. Additionally, other areas of the state budget may face potential constraints or reprioritization to accommodate these increased educational expenditures, as the bill mandates higher financial commitments across multiple categories of school aid.
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