HR1008
To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Concerning The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program.
Last Action (April 8, 2026): Read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and referred to the Committee on HOUSE RULES
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes modifications to the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program. It mandates that students participating in the program achieve a minimum score on annual assessments to remain eligible, with exceptions for students from low-performing public schools or those with significant cognitive disabilities. The bill creates a performance-based funding structure where account amounts may be reduced based on assessment results. It also restricts eligibility by excluding students who already attend private schools at the time of application or who previously attended private schools before receiving an account. Additionally, the bill updates testing procedures, requiring assessments to be administered at educational service cooperatives, and adds participating service providers for homeschooled students to the list of mandatory reporters of child maltreatment.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are public school students who may receive increased oversight of academic progress through mandatory assessments and students from underperforming public schools who retain program eligibility protections. Additionally, the Arkansas Department of Education gains greater administrative control over the program's academic performance requirements.
Who Might Suffer?
Students currently enrolled in private schools or those who have previously attended private schools are negatively impacted, as they are explicitly barred from eligibility. Families participating in the program may be negatively impacted by more stringent testing requirements, the potential for reduced funding based on test performance, and the mandate that assessments be completed at educational service cooperatives, which may create logistical or travel burdens. Furthermore, participating service providers for homeschooled students face new regulatory requirements as designated mandatory reporters.
Get Notified
Receive an email when this bill's status changes.