SB360
An Act For The Department Of Education - Division Of Elementary And Secondary Education Out-of-school Time Program Grants Appropriation Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 360 appropriates $1,700,000 to the Arkansas Department of Education for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to fund a grant program for comprehensive out-of-school time programs. The funds are designated for evidence-based academic enhancement activities that align with state curriculum standards. Eligible entities must be 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organizations with at least five years of experience, a history of fiscal accountability, and a sustainability model that secures at least 50% of funding from non-state sources. Programs are required to operate for at least 12 hours per week, four days per week, and must provide activities in at least two of five specified areas, such as STEM, academic support, leadership, career exposure, or community service. The bill also establishes requirements for data collection and rigorous safety standards for participating organizations. An emergency clause is included to ensure the funding takes effect by July 1, 2025.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are school-aged children in Arkansas who will gain access to structured, evidence-based academic and developmental programming outside of regular school hours. Additionally, qualified 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) non-profit organizations that meet the stringent eligibility and sustainability requirements will benefit from state financial support to expand their existing programs.
Who Might Suffer?
Smaller or newer non-profit organizations that do not meet the criteria of having at least five years of operation, or those that lack the capacity to secure 50% of their funding from non-state sources, will be negatively impacted as they are ineligible for these specific grants. Additionally, taxpayers generally bear the cost of the $1.7 million appropriation, though the bill is framed as an investment in student achievement.
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