HB1020
To Repeal The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program; To Create A New Education Funding Category For Students Who Receive Special Education And Related Services; And To Create The Community Schools Act Fund.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes to repeal the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program. It also aims to establish a new education funding category specifically for students who receive special education and related services. Additionally, the bill seeks to create a "Community Schools Act Fund." The purpose of these changes is to restructure how certain educational needs are funded and to eliminate an existing program. The bill outlines definitions for terms related to the repealed program and introduces new provisions for the special education funding category and the new fund. It details how the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education would administer these changes. The bill also specifies rules for the State Board of Education regarding the new provisions. The structure of existing educational financial accounts and their use would be altered by this legislation.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill, if enacted, would be students in Arkansas who receive special education and related services, as it proposes to create a dedicated funding category for them. Additionally, entities that will be involved in the administration of the proposed Community Schools Act Fund and the new special education funding mechanisms could benefit from the allocation of resources and responsibilities. Schools or organizations that provide services to students with disabilities may also see increased support through the new funding structure. The bill's provisions regarding the repeal of the existing program suggest a shift in focus and potentially new opportunities for other educational initiatives.
Who Might Suffer?
The most directly negatively impacted group would be the students and families currently participating in the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program, as this bill proposes its repeal. This would eliminate the existing mechanism for accessing funds for qualifying educational expenses at participating schools or service providers. Private schools and other service providers that rely on the existing freedom account program for tuition and service payments would also likely be negatively impacted by its discontinuation. The shift in funding priorities may also affect the financial planning and operational models of these entities.