SB634

Senate Bill 634 creates a new Division of Interscholastic Activities within the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. This division will be led by an Assistant Commissioner appointed by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education and will have direct oversight of school-related extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, for students in grades six through twelve. The bill mandates that the division monitor public and open-enrollment charter schools for compliance with state and federal laws, with private schools having the option to participate in this oversight. The division is tasked with promoting sportsmanship, managing championship events, developing standards for officiating, and ensuring consistent rule application. Additionally, the division is required to prevent the exploitation of students by special interest groups and must submit an annual report to the House and Senate Education Committees. The state board is authorized to promulgate rules to administer these provisions.