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Republican Sponsorship
Education

SB436

To Amend The Ability Of A Student Who Transfers Under The Public School Choice Act Of 2015 To Participate In An Extracurricular Activity.

Failed

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

Sponsors

AI-Generated Summary

Senate Bill 436 proposes an amendment to the Public School Choice Act of 2015 regarding the eligibility of transfer students for extracurricular activities. While the bill maintains existing protections that prevent students from being denied participation or disciplined solely for choosing to transfer, it introduces a new restrictive provision. Specifically, the bill allows public schools and nonresident districts to prohibit a student from participating in extracurricular activities for 365 days if that student has transferred to the district for two consecutive years. This change effectively adds a potential penalty for long-term transfer students regarding their eligibility for sports or other school activities.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

Public school districts and administrators would benefit from this legislation by gaining greater local control and the authority to impose eligibility restrictions on students who transfer between schools for multiple consecutive years. This may assist districts in managing student populations and athletics programs by discouraging long-term transfers intended primarily for extracurricular participation.

Who Might Suffer?

Students who utilize the Public School Choice Act of 2015 to transfer schools for two or more consecutive years would be negatively impacted. These students risk being barred from participation in all extracurricular activities for a full calendar year, which could affect their ability to engage in sports, arts, or other school-sponsored programs.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us