Education Committee - Senate
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Transcript
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Bills discussed (31)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SB266
· 3 mentions in transcript, chapter, agenda
Matched: “District 34. This is Senate Bill 266 and uh working with um the original concept that we had on…”
|
TO AUTHORIZE A PUBLIC SCHOOL TO ADOPT A POLICY FOR ONE OR MORE STUDENT MENTORS. | J. Dotson | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB425
Act 722
· 3 mentions in chapter, agenda, transcript
Matched: “SB425 J. English TO AMEND VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE…”
|
TO AMEND VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING ENHANCED TRANSPORTATION; AND TO DECLARE AN … | J. English | Notification that SB425 is now Act 722 |
|
SB450
Act 915
· 3 mentions in transcript, agenda, chapter
Matched: “25. This is Senate Bill 450. Uh, this is the”
|
TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO INCLUDE A HUMAN FETAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSION … | B. Davis | Notification that SB450 is now Act 915 |
|
SB467
Act 645
· 3 mentions in agenda, transcript, chapter
Matched: “…ICE ACT; AND TO AMEND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT OF 2015. SB467 C. Penzo TO MODIFY THE DEFINITION OF "HEALTHCARE PROVIDER"…”
|
TO MODIFY THE DEFINITION OF "HEALTHCARE PROVIDER" REGARDING STUDENT ATHLETE CONCUSSION EDUCATION TO INCLUDE CHIROPRACTORS … | C. Penzo | Notification that SB467 is now Act 645 |
|
SB470
Act 646
· 3 mentions in transcript, agenda, chapter
Matched: “…, you're recognized 470 Senator Dodson. It's in District 34 Senate Bill 470 is. A relatively simple change in The”
|
TO REQUIRE AN ADULT APPROVED TO OVERSEE THE ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE STUDENT ASSESSMENT TO … | J. Dotson | Notification that SB470 is now Act 646 |
|
SB482
· 3 mentions in chapter, agenda, transcript
Matched: “SB482 K. Hammer TO REPEAL THE ARKANSAS OPPORTUNITY PUBLIC SCHOOL…”
|
TO REPEAL THE ARKANSAS OPPORTUNITY PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT; TO AMEND THE LAW RELATING TO … | K. Hammer | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1561
Act 473
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1561 Painter TO ESTABLISH THE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROTECTION…”
|
TO ESTABLISH THE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROTECTION ACT OF 2025. | Painter | Notification that HB1561 is now Act 473 |
|
HB1640
Act 476
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1640 Duke TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "ADMINISTRATOR" AS IT RELAT…”
|
TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "ADMINISTRATOR" AS IT RELATES TO ETHICAL GUIDELINES AND PROHIBITIONS; AND … | Duke | Notification that HB1640 is now Act 476 |
|
HB1697
Act 477
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1697 Joey Carr TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF TITLE 6 AND TITLE 19 OF TH…”
|
TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF TITLE 6 AND TITLE 19 OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING PROVISIONAL … | Joey Carr | Notification that HB1697 is now Act 477 |
|
HB1705
Act 478
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1705 Duke TO REQUIRE INFORMATION CONCERNING HOW THE RELIGIOUS AN…”
|
TO REQUIRE INFORMATION CONCERNING HOW THE RELIGIOUS AND MORAL BELIEFS OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS INFLUENCED … | Duke | Notification that HB1705 is now Act 478 |
|
SB205
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB205 A. Clark TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS OPPORTUNITY PUBLIC SCHOOL CH…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS OPPORTUNITY PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT; AND TO AMEND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL … | A. Clark | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB436
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…RNING ENHANCED TRANSPORTATION; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. SB436 A. Clark TO AMEND THE ABILITY OF A STUDENT WHO TRANSFERS UN…”
|
TO AMEND THE ABILITY OF A STUDENT WHO TRANSFERS UNDER THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT … | A. Clark | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB515
Act 647
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB515 J. Petty TO REQUIRE THAT A UNIT DEDICATED TO ARKANSAS VETER…”
|
TO REQUIRE THAT A UNIT DEDICATED TO ARKANSAS VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES BE INCLUDED WITHIN … | J. Petty | Notification that SB515 is now Act 647 |
|
SB522
Act 648
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB522 M. McKee TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING THE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING THE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS, SCIENCES, AND THE ARTS; AND … | M. McKee | Notification that SB522 is now Act 648 |
|
SB545
Act 564
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB545 M. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO THE PROPERTY AND FIN…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO THE PROPERTY AND FINANCES OF STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER … | M. Johnson | Notification that SB545 is now Act 564 |
|
SB547
Act 728
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB547 D. Sullivan TO REPEAL THE REQUIREMENT THAT A HOMESCHOOLED S…”
|
TO REPEAL THE REQUIREMENT THAT A HOMESCHOOLED STUDENT LIVE WITHIN A CERTAIN RADIUS OF A … | D. Sullivan | Notification that SB547 is now Act 728 |
|
HB1180
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…RT CARD TO INCLUDE A STUDENT'S CURRENT READING GRADE LEVEL. HB1180 Bentley TO CREATE THE BABY OLIVIA ACT. SB358 J. Dotson TO A…”
|
TO CREATE THE BABY OLIVIA ACT. | Bentley | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1370
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…avis Sen. Jim Dotson REGULAR AGENDA Number Sponsor Subtitle HB1370 J. Mayberry CONCERNING MAKING UP MISSED SCHOOL DAYS; AND TO…”
|
CONCERNING MAKING UP MISSED SCHOOL DAYS; AND TO REQUIRE A PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT TO INCLUDE … | J. Mayberry | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1598
Act 474
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1598 Brooks TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH…”
|
TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A NEW ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS; … | Brooks | Notification that HB1598 is now Act 474 |
|
HB1684
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1684 McAlindon TO CREATE THE PARENTS AND TEACHERS HELPING STUDEN…”
|
TO CREATE THE PARENTS AND TEACHERS HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED (PATHS) ACT. | McAlindon | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1724
Act 503
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1724 B. McKenzie TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS; AND … | B. McKenzie | Notification that HB1724 is now Act 503 |
|
SB149
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…LOYMENT TAX ACT TO WAIVE THE "REASONABLE ASSURANCE" CLAUSE. SB149 J. English TO AMEND PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING AMOUNTS UNDER THE…”
|
TO AMEND PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING AMOUNTS UNDER THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING ACT OF 2003. | J. English | Died in House at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB215
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…S UNDER THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING ACT OF 2003. Page 2 of 3 SB215 J. Bryant TO AMEND THE PERMISSIBLE USES FOR REAL ESTATE DON…”
|
TO AMEND THE PERMISSIBLE USES FOR REAL ESTATE DONATED BY A PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT; AND … | J. Bryant | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB216
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…. Dotson TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS RELATED TO HIGHER EDUCATION. SB216 J. Dotson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING POSTSECONDARY EDUCATI…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. | J. Dotson | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB438
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB438 A. Clark TO PERMANENTLY BAN FROM COACHING A COACH OR AN ATH…”
|
TO PERMANENTLY BAN FROM COACHING A COACH OR AN ATHLETICS PERSONNEL MEMBER WHO RECRUITS A … | A. Clark | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB451
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…ARDS DURING THE ARKANSAS ACADEMIC STANDARDS REVISION CYCLE. SB451 Hester TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE DEPARTME…”
|
TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH REGIONAL … | Hester | Died in Senate at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB47
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 47,070, you're recognized 470 Senator Dodson. It's in District…”
|
TO AMEND THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE; TO DEFINE "CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY" UNDER THE UNIFORM … | J. Boyd | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SB484
Act 726
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…estrictions designating areas as 'Members and Staff Only'. SB484 Irvin TO REQUIRE THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATI…”
|
TO ESTABLISH A PROCESS WHEREBY A VACANCY IS FILLED ON A SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF … | Irvin | Notification that SB484 is now Act 726 |
|
SB504
Act 727
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…STABLISH THE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROTECTION ACT OF 2025. SB504 Irvin TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS RURAL PRECEPTORSHIP PROGRAM…”
|
TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS RURAL PRECEPTORSHIP PROGRAM ACT. | Irvin | Notification that SB504 is now Act 727 |
|
SB528
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…AND FEES PAID BY STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE ONLINE PROGRAMS. SB528 Gilmore TO ADDRESS THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF S…”
|
TO ADDRESS THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND THE CAREER … | Gilmore | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SCR3
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…F DIRECTORS IS HELD. DEFERRED BILLS Number Sponsor Subtitle SCR3 J. Scott TO URGE THE ARKANSAS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO P…”
|
TO URGE THE ARKANSAS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO PROPOSE AN AMENDMENT TO THE FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT TAX … | J. Scott | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
Machine transcript
May contain errors. Verify important quotations against the official video.
About transcript accuracy
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- October 2, 2026
Senator Jane English
Unverified
0:14
Recognizing our pages that are here, we have a number today, Caitlin Cooper. You kind of identify yourself, step forward. It's not here. Zoe Gunter. Mahana
got a Carter. Oh Kyland ship Shall be written Zeland
Beck, Gabriella Edwards. In a rose, grizzle, and she's here where are you? Oh, OK, she's here from
visiting us from Brooklyn, New York, so that's we're glad to have her here and Tyson Clemens. Very nice to see you all. This is all about you and your education. So we're moving right along
here. We will start our agenda and let me see, I'm first on the list. There you go.
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
1:43
I had. Senator, if you would introduce yourself and identify the bill you're speaking for, and you may begin.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:50
Senator Jane English, District 13, and this is Senate Bill 425, and it basically is the enhanced transportation for adequacy. I make a motion Got a motion. We have a 2nd. Got a motion. We have a second. 2nd, any discussion?
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
2:05
got a second in discussion all anyone here to speak for or against the bill.
So the motion do pass, OK, we've got a second do pass. Discussion on the motion. No one to speak for or against. All in favor say aye, oppose same sign. Congratulations, Senator, you passed your bill.
Speaker 26
3:04
Uh, Senator Clark. Are you here? No, Senator Davis.
Speaker 28
3:26
He'll identify yourself. You'll be recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair, Brianne Davis, state senator, District
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
3:30
25. This is Senate Bill 450. Uh, this is the
human fetal growth and Development Education Act. This is something that we have debated quite a bit in this committee, um, you guys may be more familiar with the Meat Baby Olivia Act, and I know a few of us on this committee asked for amendments to the bill that were not provided and so I went. and filed a bill that provided the amendments that we asked for, so this allows the Department of Ed working with the Department of um health to decide age-appropriate grade
levels for students to receive human growth and development curriculum. Um, we already have standards K through 12 in in school, but this simply says that at the appropriate time they can watch a high definition ultrasound that shows brain, heart, sex. organs and other vital organs in early fetal development and also talk about the process of fertilization and then every stage of human development while a baby is in utero. I worked with the Department of Ed on this to ensure that it met with
their curriculum and standards so that it would be appropriate based on the committee they work with to decide curriculum in schools. I'm happy to take any questions. Questions from the
Senator Joshua Bryant
Unverified
4:54
committee. Senator Brian. Thank you, Madam Chair. So this I guess in the discussions from the previous attempt at a at a build. There was obviously discussions between the disparities between markers.
Oh, so who ultimately were with that decision lie as far as which video is appropriate for the
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
5:17
markers. All of that will be determined by the curriculum committee within the Department of Ed. They have a committee that goes through curriculum, I believe every 2 years, and they can decide appropriate. Um, appropriate, uh, you know, tools to use, so it's my understanding that the meat may be Olivia video could be used as um part of the curriculum to meet these standards, but also
other tools would be available and that was the biggest, you know, one of the biggest sticking points for me was specifically putting in lawet Baby Olivia produced by Live Action, um, this, I think still meets, you know, what people wanted to see. which was that video being able to be utilized if a school district chose to do so, but it also enables the department to provide other resources that schools can use. So the state board have final say on any department related decisions out of that subcommittee or we'll skip the
Senator Joshua Bryant
Unverified
6:12
state board and just go out to the schools. It's
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
6:15
my understanding it's the the curriculum committee, the Department of Ed, and those resources can be utilized by the school and if I'm saying that incorrectly, I'm happy for someone from the Department of Ed to correct me, but I don't believe the state board has, um, say or a vote in that. Alright, thank you. Senator Dodson. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
6:36
So on this. The department would have the final say in that after the
curriculum committee met, if I'm understanding it correctly, so it wouldn't go before
the state board and it wouldn't come, they wouldn't be promulgating any rules, so that wouldn't come back before the legislature for approval of any type of videos
like what was in the last. The last bill at the end. Is that
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
7:02
correct? Uh, unless someone wants to correct me, but no, there's no rule promulgation in this.
It's just up to the curriculum committee to determine uh what
different tools they can utilize. To meet the curriculum standards in developing this, the
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
7:17
Department of Health. would be consulted, but the Department of Ed would be the one that made the decision. So the Department of Health wouldn't have any type of. Veto authority over what the Department of Ed did. Correct. Mhm Further questions.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
7:46
From the committee saying none. Is there anybody in the audience speak for or against the male, not see. What's the will of
the committee? At motion do pass. All in favor all opposed. Thank you, Pastor Bill. OK. Uh, Senator Dodson.
Oh. I think he's doing 266, is that right? 266. OK. You identify yourself, you'll be recognized.
Thank you, Madam Chair. State Senator Jim Dodson,
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
9:11
District 34. This is Senate Bill 266 and uh working with um the original concept that we had on this bill. And the Department of Ed. took and made some modifications to this bill to make this a student mentor program, so basically it would allow for student mentors mentors to be in schools for schools to develop programs for for student
mentors and uh that would be optional for the districts to do. However, um, This lays out a criteria to which those student mentors would have to go through background checks, um. And if you look at page 2, statewide and criminal records checks, child maltreatment, central registry checks, um, and ensure that we aren't hiring folks that or have volunteers in our schools, student mentors, mentors that have any type of uh.
Bad backgrounds, so happy to try to answer any questions.
Speaker 28
10:23
Other questions from the committee, Senator Davis. Thank you, Madam Chair,
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
10:27
is, um, when we were dealing with the previous, your previous bill, all of that was already allowed by law, is everything in this bill already allowed by law as well? Well,
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
10:36
this lays out a process for a particular member or mentors to go into school, so it's a little bit broader than what I was working on before, but it creates the, like I said,
the option for student school districts to have a have these mentors come in. To a certain extent, most of this is already allowed by law, but this would make a codified process to which they have to go through those background checks to ensure that we're we're not putting anybody in the schools or allowing students allowing mentors into schools that don't have those types
of background checks. Are there volunteers now coming
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
11:19
into schools without background checks. I mean, I thought to to be able to volunteer and work with students in any capacity you had to have background checks. I'm not entirely sure the department
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
11:29
might be able to answer whether or not there's There's uh all of those are covered or not, but uh like I said, this is, this was amended to kind of fall in line with what the department suggested.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
11:54
There are further questions from the committee. There anybody in the audience to speak for or against the bill? What's the will of the committee. I'm closed and I make a motion to do pass. Sarah, discussion on the motion. All in favor?
Speaker 84
12:36
All those, so I don't think we have enough votes. It's still a roll call. Senator Dodson. Senator Dodson, a Senator Bryant. Senator Bryant, I, Senator Murdoch. Sara Murdoch. Senator King? Senator King. Senator Davis. Senator Davis, no. Senator Flowers? Senator Flowers.
Senator Sullivan, Senator Sullivan, I. We do not have enough votes. Thank you.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
13:25
You want me to do the next one? Um Yeah.
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
13:30
Senate Bill 47,070, you're recognized 470 Senator Dodson. It's in District 34 Senate Bill 470 is. A relatively simple change in The
virtual testing for virtual schools to allow right now the proctoring of those things an adult has to be present for the entire test, um, this is something that would allow for students that are in 9th through 12th grade, they set up all the protocols and security protocols, making sure that um there's monitoring and everything, but the adult would not have to be in the room the entire time of the student
testing, um. If, if there are questions, I do
have somebody here that can speak. to it as well. Other
Senator Jane English
Unverified
14:22
questions from the committee. Sender Sullivan. But the
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
14:29
proctor is gone, absent from the committee or
Speaker 94
14:31
from the room when the test is being taken. Well, the technology is the proctor. This would so
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
14:39
basically you have a virtual type setting for for students to be in and The current law says that an adult has to be in the room during the entire test, so the parent would have to be in the room. We're talking about 9th through 12th graders to have somebody sitting in the room once they've set up the technology, if I recall correctly, um, And it's, I think, in a separate section, not actually in this bill here, but part of the earlier part of the code where it says that
They have to have 2 cameras watching the student, you know, or 11 camera facing the student, one facing this way so they can't be cheating, that is the proctor, OK, so you have other this allows for the parent to not have
to be sitting in the room during the entirety of the test. OK, thank you. Other questions from the committee. Singer is there
anybody in the audience to speak for or against the bill? No.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
15:41
What is the will of the committee? Clothes make a motion to pass. Discussion on the motion. All they all opposed. You passed your bill. Thank you. OK, let me see. Senator Clark.
Unknown speaker
16:12
What happened to Senator Clark Helen Clark. He was just here. Well, OK. And, um, Senator Penzo.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
16:45
If you identify yourself, you'll be recognized. Thank you,
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
16:52
Madam Chair. Clint Penzo, District 31 Springdale, um. This bill is just a What's the bill number? I don't have it in front of me. 467. Senate Bill 467. We got it. OK, so, so this is just a cleanup bill for House Bill 12213, which was a health
care bill. There was a definition within that that we left chiropractors out of it it named allopathic physicians, osteopathic physicians, neuropsychologists, APRNs, uh, athletic trainers, physician's assistants, physical therapists, but we left out chiropractors, chiropractors fit within their scopes this isn't. doesn't change any scope. That's why it's for the education committee because it was a uh doesn't change any scope. That's why it's for the education committee because it was a uh health care uh provider uh
definition within the student athlete concussion education, so it falls under education. So it's just a cleanup bill and chiropractors to the definition change that was made in Act 266. There are questions from the committee. So but in the audience to speak for or against the bill. They are You pass. Of course
Senator Jane English
Unverified
18:18
So a discussion on the motion? Paul Faber, all those. Thank you very much. Thank
Senator Jane English
Unverified
18:41
right along here. I just, I just, all right, let's see, uh, is
Representative Painter here. He was here. And Brooks. You said he'd be back.
What is your bill. Oh, wait a minute. Here comes Kim Hammer, OK. a key Go ahead.
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
19:25
Hell. that members Committee, Kim Hammer State Senator District 16. I'm Karen Walters, Superintendent Brant Public
Speaker 126
19:55
Schools. may proceed. My chair Jeremy Lester with Bryant
Speaker 128
20:03
Public Schools. Uh, Madam Chair, we're presenting
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
20:14
Senate Bill 482, we actually presented this last committee, pulled it down because I think
there were some questions. Secretary Leva had spoke last time presenting it. If we could
just do a quick overview and then we'll get into answering the question Jeremy used to be with the bureau. Uh, he is the attorney for the Bryant School District. He's probably got a better in-depth understanding and for the sake of time, uh, Madam Chair, if that's all right. We'll just do a quick overview and go right into questions. OK?
Speaker 132
20:47
OK. Jeremy, you want to go ahead and overview it? Thank you, Senator. This bill would not make any student ineligible for school choice, uh, who is currently eligible
under current school choice law. It is going to make some important changes if you approve it to the school choice law, for instance, there's some confusion in the school choice law about application deadlines right now. It would also make it clear that students who had been expelled from other school districts that that schools could take that into account with whether to accept or reject. like this, uh, the application, uh, and we also understood that there was some concern about whether this bill would do away with the opportunity School
Choice Act, it only, it would repeal the opportunity School Choice Act, but it takes the major provisions of that act and places it under the public schools Choice Act, so opportun school choice would not be going away. It's just going to be placed under the regular school choice law, so those provisions would still be there. Um It would allow the department to prepare rules for your review regarding capacity for the acceptance or rejection of school choice applications. So if a school or a school district
had an issue with capacity of
Speaker 134
22:02
staff or classrooms, the department would come to you with uh rules on that for
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
22:17
your approval. I'm sure there is one. Yeah, but I'd like Jeremy to address it, and it's says regarding what the limitations the board has, the state board. A
For Jeremy to address the issue of the But Like to let him speak
Speaker 132
22:44
on those two points. Senator, happy to address that. So under current law and under this bill, if a school district turns down a request or a petition for school choice. Then the parent or the student can't appeal to the state board of education. That does not change under this
bill. There still is the appeal process. The only thing that is different is if the state board finds during that hearing that the school district accurately turned down the petition for transfer for capacity or expulsion reasons, then they would have to turn down the appeal. It does not take any decision making of power away from the state board other than it allows them to make a finding of whether the school district was accurate in turning down a
transfer because of capacity or expulsion reasons. If the school district was not accurate, according to the state board, then that appeal could be granted in the school choice transfer would be approved if the school district was accurate in turning down the transfer with regard to capacity or expulsion then the appeal would be denied. It just sets that out more clearly in the law. And also, Madam Chair, I would like Jeremy just to
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
23:55
clarify one thing if I may speak, he can straighten me out on it or somebody else can straighten me out on it, but I think the way
the law currently is that the law that we have passed as a legislature on some of those appeals have been passed up to the board. The board is not being compliant with what the current law says. Am I correct or incorrect on that Jeremy, would you please address that I think the cleared up. The state board, you
Speaker 132
24:22
know, is, I think, being compliant with the law, they just You've given them broad discretion. All this bill would do would just be to allow a couple of limitations on that discretion, whereas if they do find, according to the facts of
any particular case that a student was denied because of expulsion and that student was in fact expelled at the time or that the transfer was denied for capacity reasons and in fact there was a capacity problem at the school district then under those two situations in the state board would not grant the appeal, but only limits the discretion that you've given to them in those two ways. And we're ready for questions, Madam Chair. Questions from the committee.
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
25:12
Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, so we debated this bill a lot. A couple weeks ago and there's been no changes to it since
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
25:20
then. No changes. I just hope that with the explanations that have been given has brought clarity to some of the issues that have been expressed before that hopefully will alleviate the concerns you had a couple of things that he. You addressed to me and I want you to hear, you know, explained further. Thank you. Any further questions, Senator Sullivan?
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
25:45
How many districts does this impact? I mean I know potentially it could it could. Be all of them, but I know there
are just 1 or 2 schools that are having this problem, so is this problem a statewide problem, or is it pretty well isolated to one or two districts. I don't
Speaker 146
26:06
believe it is isolated Senator Sullivan. I think it is a statewide. I think there are pockets, um. I don't think you can say it's 2
or 3. I'll give you an example. I'm finishing my 11th year at Bryant. We have not gone before the state board. But the, the potential is there that we could. I, I think I think it is all across the state. I think that there are some districts that are losing more kids than others, and so the capacity issue may not be as big of an issue for some other I'm not asking you to make a prediction. I think I'm just
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
26:46
wondering how many directly are affected by this. I know school
choice folks had some real concerns about this bill. Are they, are they still have, do they still have significant concerns about passing this bill. If you don't know, that's OK
Speaker 146
27:01
I don't know that I can speak for them, but I don't think that this bill is taking away school choice at all. I think it's putting districts in a position where we don't have to look to purchase portable buildings because we don't, we don't have a classroom, you know, to add
the additional students in some cases. Senator
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
27:21
Sullivan, I think as far as, and I think Jeremy explained a while ago it may give the appearance of taking away school choice, but I think it is clarifying and I think It is still observed and protected. One of the big components of the bill is that if it goes before the board because, correct me if I'm wrong, one of the issues that is happening, I think, is that students are leaving one district when they're under disciplinary action and moving to another district and so with
regards to and the appeals that everybody, you know, expressed concern about before I think we clarified by Jeremy that those are still there, but on the two issues, um, where It was dealing with a student that has been expelled or a capacity issue. Those are the two factors that are being clarified and addressed in this bill unless I'm wrong based on the explanation given, I think the, the integrity of school choice, which I've always supported and run legislation before it pass is still
preserved, but this is addressing a couple of issues. And I would, if there's opposition to it. I don't know if they're signed up for or against, but we can hear publicly
Speaker 28
28:36
from them if they are. A very. Senator Davis, thank you, Madam Chair. So
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
28:42
outside of the 90% cap, maximum and expulsion. There's not anything else that's prohibiting school choice. Is that correct? answers that he's the attorney.
Yes, Senator, that's correct. OK, OK, thank you. I mean, I know we had that conversation during Les and I was under the impression that cause I do have a school in my district that deals with capacity issues, so it was my understanding that um school choice, it still would be capped if a school district was at that 90%, but it's my understanding that's not been taking place. So I think this sounds like a good fix to an issue for a lot of school districts around the state. Thank you. And I'd like to say I think that if
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
29:18
we can get ahead of it before It becomes an issue, that's a
lot better than having to react to it. I do believe there are issues that are occurring and this would bring clarity to remove any confusion moving forward. Further questions from the committee. Let's see,
Senator Jane English
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29:34
we have one person to speak against the bill, Gary Newton.
He'll identify yourself, you'll be recognized. Thank you,
Gary Newton
Unverified
29:57
Madam Chairman. My name is Gary Newton with Arkansas Learns and we opposed this bill. Opportunity school choice was a hard won victory, uh, it's It's a little disconcerting to be here speaking yet Senator Hammer bill because he's been such a great champion and remains a great champion of school choice. We just want to point out some things about the bill. Opportunity school choice is what allows students who are
trapped in failing schools either an F school or a level 5 district level 5 intensive support district. To move from that school and find a higher performing school. It's different than inner district school choice. It's different than legal or board to board school choice. It's threshold on capacity has been 95%, a higher threshold than regular school choice because of that opportunity to get out of what's considered a failing
school. It removes the state boards, or I would say an independent arbiters assessment of what is capacity. If this determination of capacity is solely left to the districts then we're not going to have a true picture because that's what we saw and that's why the threshold had to be changed and it's why the requirements had to be strengthened so that a third party could determine.
Capacity issues. And essentially allows the district the final determination of those issues. Teacher caseload capacity student to teacher ratio per grade expulsion, or pending expulsion, which is a new factor. Before it was only students who were expelled from a previous school. Now it's pending, and that's not defined. That could mean different things in different schools, particularly
it's coming from a private or an independent school. It also revokes the opportunity for siblings, sibling consideration in the past, if siblings wanted to follow after an older student. We was transferred into a school, they would get priority as far as placement. It's a massive bill. Our opinion is if the if the school choice laws need to be
addressed. It should be done so. Not by a school district. Changing the laws about all of interdistrict choice, but by uh The committees By the Department of Education, even though the department has worked on this bill. There is so much in it that is repealed and added that it creates great confusion. And I say school districts initiating because uh
Even this school district 2 years ago was putting out a blanket statement that it would not accept school choice transfers. We had to call it out publicly that that's not acceptable because even though they may decide they're not going to accept any every student had a right to apply. And then once denied, which was clearly stated on the application, every student had an opportunity to appeal. That. by their putting out a blanket statement that they were
accepting none, that chilled people actually applying for school choice, so there are trust factors involved in this when those of us that have been in the trenches for so long working to get school choice. We've seen a state board that has gone from never, never taking the side of parents and students to then a state board which mostly takes the side of students and parents, and I think that's problematic for some school districts. But I would encourage if we need
to change the school choice laws list dive in and do it, but let's do it in a way that that those of us who have fought hard to get to this point in time are able to have trust in the process and know that dealing with uh good faith. In that Thank you. Button Thank you, Madam Chair. Um. And
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
34:26
I heard you say that there's a 90% and a 95%.
And that, so 95% would be done away with by this? Is this what's my understanding so, so if a school district Let's say uh I don't know a school building has. 800 students in it. 10% would be 80 students. 5% would be 40 students, so if, if they had capacity of 79. Remaining seats in there they could deny all transfers where right now they'd have to get
down to 39 seats before they could deny any transfers. Is that
Gary Newton
Unverified
35:09
my understanding is what you're saying there are several different thresholds when it comes to capacity. It's not only just districtwide, but it's, it's grade wise and it's classroom size, so again, very complicated and that's what it's just that in generally, Opportunity had a higher threshold because of the urgency of getting a student out of a failing school. In that opportunity.
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
35:36
And this obviously isn't a question for you, but maybe Senator Hammer can can answer this when he closes on why 90% was chosen instead of 95%. That Baling that. The clothes. Thank you. I
Speaker 170
35:50
would say in the past there was a there
Gary Newton
Unverified
35:56
was great. discrepancy and how um capacity was determined. That's why they became very hard and fast rules about how to determine that and needed the third party to be
able to do it. I heard uh a proponents of the bill talking about they still have the ability to review that, but it's, it's, uh, it does take their discretion away in those decisions. Are there further questions from the committee. Thank you very much. Thank you, ma'am. Mhm. Amer?
Senator Jane English
Unverified
36:30
Oh, we have a, let's see, Brian Duffy who would like to speak for the bill. Um
Oh. You identify yourself, you'll be
Speaker 172
36:50
recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair, Brian Duffy, Alma School District, and I appreciate Senator Hammer for
Speaker 174
36:56
bringing the bill and I go at this from the safeguards of capacity for school districts where all working to be efficient, efficient in staffing, make sure we have the right size of staffing in our programs and the safeguard of the capacity issue,
especially will help us stay efficient. Uh, if we have the wiggle room to accept students, then we certainly consider that just to answer, I don't believe Alma's been before the state board on any school choice issue in the past, and I have not been affiliated with any of that in the past, um, we just want to make sure that we can have that discretion to review those applications. The other thing with data is the department will
pull our e-school data. They have all our Student counts, our staff counts for every program, every grade level to verify capacity, so we wouldn't be producing any additional reports for the Department of Ed to consider on those issues. Is um The committee, thank you very much.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
38:21
Shane Patrick. identify yourself, you'll be recognized.
Speaker 180
38:27
Thank you, Madam Chair. Shane Patrick, superintendent of the Solemn Springs School District. Uh, one thing, a lot of things have been said, uh, back on this, the thing I I want to remind the committee when we talk about capacity, we're not just talking about rooms. We're, we're talking about teacher load, so that could be a number of students allowed in each classroom, but we're also
talking about special education teacher load. And so we may have open seats sometimes that uh in a 2nd grade classroom, for example, but when our capacity meets that amount that our special education teachers have on those caseloads uh or a speech pathologist or any number of things that go on in that realm, it greatly limits our ability to efficiently handle those students in our as they come
into our district, so Capacity means a lot more, so this, in my opinion, gives a lot more definition. I will tell you from the, this is my first year at Solemn Springs School District as superintendent, but in the last 5 years before as assistant superintendent, we've never gone to the board, tried to go to the board on an appeal, but the district's attitude has been there has been no sex, no, uh, the board has overturned and so.
With the students and we just not denied anything and it's forced us to add special education teachers along with some other teachers with that and I think this law would greatly help us. We've actually had to hire long-term substitutes. In some classrooms because we've gone over those capacities because we haven't seen uh the board back in district. This would allow the districts to uh To come to the board with an
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
40:26
actual case of capacity. You're phrasing that forced us to add teachers, special ed teachers, so the, the needs of the student. Uh, are forcing the school to act in their favor. That's the way I interpret what you said. No, sir, that's not what I said. We were always going to provide for
Speaker 147
40:47
the need that be what you meant. You said it forced us to add special ed but we can't overload our teachers. Yes
Speaker 185
40:52
sir, so we therefore we do hire what we need. OK.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
41:00
Any further questions from the committee? Thank you very much. Thank you. Senator Hammer.
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
41:17
I'm sure I'd like to with the chair's permission in my as my closing, I'd like
to ask Jeremy to come and do my closing to address a couple of things that were said at the chair with loud. Go ahead. Yeah. This will be my closing.
Speaker 132
41:33
Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the committee, certainly appreciate your consideration of this bill and appreciate Mr. Newton's hard work. He's right. He's worked for years on school choice and certainly never was our intention or desire to limit anybody from school choice, and I don't believe the bill does that. I want to take the opportunity to address a couple of those points really quickly so that you can get on with your business. With regard to opportunity, school choice, if you will look on page 15, Section 8 of the bill, the main provisions of the Opportunity School Choice law. They're taking
out of Section 1 are being replaced into Section 8 of that bill, so opportunities school choice does still exist. It's just going to exist under one law as opposed to two. A second with regard to capacity and why it's set at 90% as opposed to 95%. The issue there is that it's always been, at least for regular school choice, 90% and there had to be a number set somewhere, so the department may have data on this. I was formerly general counsel at the department. I'm not aware of any
case in which a student who sought school choice under opportunity school choice has ever been denied, but the only way they would be denied under this bill is if a school district simply did not have room under the capacity under rules that would be promulgated subject to legislative review. By the by DE or because of expulsion issues. I want to talk about why pending expulsion is important pending expulsion is important because in a lot of cases students who are facing expulsion in school districts may just decide to go somewhere
else, and a lot of times if they do that, that expulsion's over and they don't face consequences for their actions. If a really all that is required under this bill though is notification, so in the case of Bryant school districts, we have in the past. taken students who have been expelled based upon the facts of that case, so it does allow for school districts to consider expulsions and pending expulsions, but it does not automatically mean that schools, schools would or students would not be allowed to transfer.
Um, with regard to the state board discretion. Right now the state board has complete discretion for school choice appeals. The only thing about that that would change under this law is if the state board finds they would still have to find it if the state board finds that either the school choice appeal was or school choice transfer was denied because of expulsion reasons or because of capacity, then they would have to decide at that point to deny the appeal. If the state board looks at the evidence that's presented by the
school district and this happens sometimes if they look at the evidence that's presented by the school district and the school district's not able to prove that there was a capacity issue or they're not able to approve that there was a expulsion or pending expulsion, then the state board could and and very likely should grant the appeal for the school choice in favor of the parent. The final thing I want to address is that there was a comment made about a school district that blanketly denied school choice with regard to the Bryant Public School District,
that simply isn't true. Um, we never blanketly denied school choice for anybody, and a matter of fact, I've been at Bryant Public Schools since 2015, and I don't know of us ever denying a school choice transfer since the time I've been there. We are in favor of school choice, and we just believe that the law that we have on the books needs to provide a few more clarifications so that we can carry that out in the way that you intended. With that man I I close, appreciate a
Speaker 122
45:04
good vote from the committee. What is the will of the committee?
Senator Jane English
Unverified
45:19
I have motioned Senator Davis motion by a second. Thank you, Madam Chair, members
committee. Thank you very much. OK, Senator Clark. I don't either, but it's gonna
Speaker 194
45:50
be. OK He hasn't been. You will identify yourself, you'll be recognized. And you have
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
46:13
amendments state Senator Alan Clark, District 7. Like to be with SB 205.
Speaker 191
46:38
So much. So I will tell you right off the bat. I don't like to see in the middle. starting yeah. Is this, is this a whole new bill? No. Y'all had asked me
Speaker 202
46:56
to deal with the capacity issue and that's
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
47:09
what this amendment does. You do what this was the bill is about uh intracho choice uh that kids in larger districts can change within the district from school to school. Uh just like you can change interdistrict of the amendment deals with capacity which y'all had asked me to deal with.
Speaker 207
47:47
I need an emotion to adopt the amendment. Yes. Senator
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
47:58
Johnson, Thank you, Madam Chair. Senator Clark. Um I'm sorry on this amendment. I'm going through it. This is a So it's a very large amendment. That the 1st 11
pages almost seems to do exactly what the the previous bill just did where it does it deletes a lot of the opportunity public school Choice
Act. Can I explain that? Yeah, I mean,
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
48:23
since we're debating basically would have explained it. I was
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
48:26
trying to answer Central English question maybe explain the the amendment completely so we know what we're
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
48:31
dealing with gross from, I believe Bentonville and Springdale testified against the bill and that they had big capacity issues that they couldn't deal with. The and y'all asked me to deal with those. We went immediately Senator Brown and I went immediately to the Department of Education.
And they came back and they agreed that they had a problem. Uh And that what had happened is we had Uh, rules before learns that were accidentally done away with in the Lawrens Bill, which created problems in for these large schools, uh. And the solution was center Hammer's bill. Uh And the that's what's taken me
so long to get back. I've been begging Center Hammer to run his bill. I finally amended it, y'all didn't y'all lost a quorum back before spring break, and so I was not able to run it then, but this the what you have here is if you take 205, ignore the amendment and take Centra Hammer's bill. Because amendments as you a large amendment like this is hard to read. If you take this and that center hammer bill to it that is that's what amending the bill does.
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
50:01
Although I was opposed to Senator Hammer's bill, so adding
that stuff into this, um, I'm trying to figure out exactly what the differences are because Is it only addressing the capacity, or is it also addressing the The other issue that he was, he
was had in his bill with regards to the um expulsion. Of students It deals with with all
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
50:35
thrilled about the amendment, but. I'll let you proceed forward if somebody wants to make a motion to adopt it. Can you do you keep that?
Speaker 217
51:05
Did you make a motion to. I think everybody's a
Senator Jane English
Unverified
51:13
little uncomfortable with it's such a big amendment and we haven't had a chance to look at it or read it or
understand what's really in it. not been engrossed. But it
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
51:28
hasn't been engrossed because we uh one hope that Senator Hammer would run his bill. and so therefore there would be
no need to amend it and to, uh, because of the difficulty of getting In this Uh Committee at the same time I'm chairing a committee, um. So I, I would appreciate it if you would. Adopt the amendment. Uh, so it can be engrossed. Senator Dodson Uh, if I may, Senator Clark, if
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
52:09
we adopted in committee, it won't be engrossed in committee. That has to be done on the floor. So
it'll just sit in committee unengrossed. Oh, you can ask staff, but I don't believe so. And it, it would have to pass out of the committee as amended in order for it to become engrossed if we just adopt it in committee and it doesn't pass. out as amended. Then it won't ever be engrossed. It'll just sit in committee
unamended and not even published on the website for anybody else to look
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
52:50
at. Just for your consideration. I was thought that was the case too, and I'm not saying you're wrong except we had another bill and another committee. And that was not what happened. I mean, that was the discussion we had and it wants it was adopted, it was engrossed. I don't, uh, and it came back and ran it in committee, uh.
So I don't again if you're correct and you have the same opinion that I had, if you're correct, I don't, uh, I'd rather do it otherwise, but
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
53:24
um I mean it can be adopted if I'm understanding it correctly and I actually talked to the Margoarian earlier in this session about this, even if we adopt an amendment in committee debated and everything like that. If it hasn't passed out of committee. It won't be engrossed, but you could still run an amendment on the floor and engross it if you
wanted to and then bring it back as engrossed and that would basically make the committee amendment fall off of it, but that's, that's my understanding of it. Um But I'll leave it to your consideration
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
53:56
if I may, may I ask a question, Senator Eli? Sure. Uh, the expulsion is the problem that you have with Senator Hammer's Bill. Well, just in general, um,
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
54:15
One of the things that uh uh as uh Gary Newton kind of spoke to is deleting 11 pages of the Opportunity School Choice program and then putting in components of it which Hasn't been fully vetted and debated. I mean, we talked about it a little bit here in committee, but to really cross reference those and make sure everything that was being done, that's one problem I had. 2 is the expulsion thing. I think we need to address the capacity issue and then the third thing for me
personally and if it had gotten to a vote, I would have mentioned this in discussion. I'm not sure 90% would be the amount I would choose since 95% is Is the threshold that is currently for opportunity school choice, so I, I personally would have preferred to see 95% versus 90% as the capacity solution, um. So those would be the 3 things. 95% expulsion and And uh
I'm not sure why we're deleting all of the opportunities school choice. As is and not just tweaking the capacity issue. I'm not sure either, Senator Dodson. I
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
55:28
went to the apartment. I went to the Department of Education and said what do we need to do to fix the capacity issue, so. OK, yeah,
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
55:37
and, and for me I, I, I would have thought that would have been simply just adding, you know. The percentage 95 or 90% whatever into the existing bill that you already had, uh, but.
Like I said, I wasn't part of that drafting process, so. But those are the those are the three things for me. Thank you.
Speaker 236
55:57
OK, I will, uh, Madam Chair, pull down the amendment. the committee interested in hearing
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
56:03
the bill again. But I don't know that we want to
Senator Jane English
Unverified
56:08
hear the bill if we we don't know what's in the amendment. Well, I'm talking about the bill, the bill without the amendment.
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
56:20
Which just says that uh. Uh intradistrict school choice will be the same as interdistrict school choice. all it does. Uh, we can be happy to continue to address the capacity issue. Uh, which was the issue that was brought up, but this says that But that interschool will be the same as interschool. What's the will of the committee, Senator Sullivan.
Speaker 241
56:51
I'm on discussion I'll wait until there's a motion,
Speaker 178
56:54
but I, my this is a huge issue. And we just spoke. We just spoke to that point in the previous
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
57:01
bill, and now we've got a huge amendment and I understand your the original bill would kind of levelize the playing field. I just need to see it in writing, and this is a huge amendment for me to take over right now. Now, let me, I'm
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
57:21
afraid I miscommunicated. I, I'm pulling down the amendment. I
would like to run SB 205. As written Which does not deal with capacity. It just deals with larger schools, interschool, having the same school choice rules as interdistrict. Yeah, I guess I have a procedural question.
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
57:42
So if we pass this bill, Without the amendment Then it runs to the floor
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
57:53
unamended and can it be amended on the floor? I don't know the answer to that. No, I'm
not talking about amending it. I will take the amendment. And Bring back a bill. The two different issues. One is capacity. One is that all schools should be following the same rules that interschools should be the same as and that's what the billstrict, yes, OK, and then you're going to come back. I'm
going to, as soon as I get out of judiciary, I'm going to get this changed into a bill very similar to center hammers unless he wants to bring his back. Uh, except it's going to deal with the issues that y'all told me that you have so that we can
deal with capacity too, but separately. I don't know
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
58:46
if I'm more confused or less confused, but I'm OK with the bill with you presenting the bill unamended. So do we need a
Speaker 208
58:55
motion to do that or can you just do that? I'd like to present 2 SB 205. I pretty much have not adopted and we're going to hear the bill. Yeah. OK. OK, I'm OK with that. I don't think it
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
59:10
makes any difference but SB 205 makes intradistrict school choice, the same as interdistrict, uh, and That's Uh What the bill does, I'll be happy to take any questions.
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
59:34
Senator Johnson. Thank you, Madam Chair. So now SB 205, as it was, no amendments. The simple changes that inner district school choice. That's all it addresses, not the capacity issue, the issue is a separate issue that you're going to work either with Senator Hammer on his version or bring another one back hopefully by
this week because it is an issue. I'm, I think I'm good with
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:00:21
the bill. Thank you. Are there other questions from the committee.
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
1:00:26
Senator Davis. Thank you, Madam Chair. Will you remind me again on intra-school district transfers. I, I think there was conversation about transportation and if, you know, students.
Um, his parents can take them across the district to a different school will if there's, you know, better performing elementary schools, say, um, can you re-walk me through that and how How that will levelize the different schools to ensure that You know, it doesn't basically have one school that has all, you know, Upper class, non-poverty students because their parents can drive them there versus
another school that's maybe left with students who are riding a bus, who's, you know, we have a very high poverty level, their parents can't drive them around. Can you, can you re-explain that to me?
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
1:01:19
I just, it's been a couple of weeks. The, again, it will make intra district the same as interdistrict, and wherever you have an issue. The one under school choice, no transportation is required, uh, but To the
A lot of times the way our district lines are drawn, uh,
the, uh, those issues are actually Already there when you're talking about making one district of Look upper middle class, let's say, uh, The Uh, we have
an issue in Fort Smith South side who very Fort Smith Southside and Fort Smith North
side who very much does not want this. Uh, because Fort Smith Northside is 80% black and Portsmouth South side is 20% black and the Fort Smith South side very much wants to keep it that way. Uh, I don't think there's going to be a mass. Transfer of black students to Fort Smith Southside, but they could where currently it's much more difficult because they don't have the same school choice rules that everyone else has, so it's just the, the problem that's been created in
our minds it's just the opposite of what really exists, uh, it's actually allows uh those in poor school districts to go to richer school districts and where there's a minority imbalance that they can go where they want. to go. The further questions.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:03:11
the committee. There's nobody in the audience to speak for or against the bill. What is the will of the committee?
Go do you pass. Unamended. That's all right. So, discussion on the motion. All in favor all opposed.
Senator Reginald Murdock
Unverified
1:03:41
I'm sorry, I turned your mike on. There you go. I'm not um voting on this bill at this point or any of these school choice bills at this point. So it's a committee currently sits, it's only 45 of us in here. So Um, just speaking, I was
Speaker 202
1:04:13
speaking discussion on the motion. I So we don't have enough votes. Basically what he's
Speaker 217
1:04:27
saying. We hadn't voted yet. All in favor. All opposed. We need a roll call.
Speaker 84
1:04:44
Senator Dodson, Senator Dodson, I, Senator Bryant. Senator Bryant. Senator Murdoch. Sarah Murdoch. Senator King? Senator King. Senator Davis. Senator Davis. Senator Flowers? Senator Flowers. Senator Sullivan. Senator Sullivan, I.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:05:17
Don't have enough votes. Thank you very much.
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
1:05:20
Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, members of the committee. SB 436 has an amendment.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:06:12
You'll identify yourself, you'll be recognized. State Senator Alan
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
1:06:16
Clark, District 7. The Amendment is to See?
Uh And it says the what really changes is uh the student transfers to another public school or a nonresident district for two consecutive years or the student applies to transfer to another public school and I'm just district after June 1st. Uh, this says that if you don't apply by the deadline for school choice. Uh, or that if you apply 2 years in a row, uh,
That you can be forced to sit out of extracurricular activities. So we
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:07:32
need a motion to adopt the amendment. Like Um they were. All posed
Is there a Yeah No. We do not have a cop. He's not voting. You want to do a roll call.
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
1:08:32
So I think Senator Murdoch, are you going to vote on this. I'm just seeing if we
have enough votes to pass it and have a quorum. I don't mean to put you on the spot, but I don't know. I need to
Speaker 285
1:08:46
hear the bill if you're not going to vote. No, I'm spot ready. I'm I'm, I'm participate just as the rest of the committee will participate and
Senator Reginald Murdock
Unverified
1:08:54
either yeah, nay or abstain so I will participate. I have not seen this until I hear from my My district, people look at this amendment, um.
I just need more input. This is a hot topic and I've been getting emails as it relates to this topic, not specifically this amendment because I'm just saying this, but before I would participate in terms of a yay or nay, I would need them to weigh in on what we're discussing here. So once this is engrossed, I'm OK with the amendment being engrossed into the bill and then it being looked at by those that will affect and then they have an impact.
it with me, then I'll be able to
participate, Senator. Until then, I can't just participate from this happening
Speaker 178
1:09:48
here in committee right now. Yeah. Oh,
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:09:58
they were all post. Thank you. OK.
Yeah, you can present the bill as
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
1:10:19
amended. Right, thank you. Yes, yes. SB 436 takes us back from SB 400, which allowed Uh All students, including athletes, uh, to change schools. Uh, and not be discriminated against and not be forced to not
participate and it does it, uh, in the instance of transferring 2 years in a row. Uh, which has been presented as a problem, uh, and it does it if uh for board transfers were supposedly student athletes are transferring to play football and then transferring in the same school year somewhere else to play basketball or soccer, uh, that was certainly never the intention. of School choice in any manner, uh.
So it fixes those problems that have been brought to us by the AAA, uh. If indeed they exist.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:11:32
Can I ask you a question? Sure. So will you tell me how this differs from, um, Uh, Representative Brooks Bill, um, 1598.
Which deals with almost exactly the same thing. I'm, I'm a little confused here. We, we have a lot of bills doing a lot of the same things. It's kind of hard to figure out what are we all trying to do here. So I, I guess my question is how, how does this Is it the same thing? What is it different? What
Speaker 212
1:12:05
this bill does not do. Uh, that representative Brooksville did. What it does
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
1:12:13
not do is does not allow a student athletes in the 10th and the 11th grade, uh, not to choose if they choose school choice to have to sit out. This is they do it two years in a row, which is what we've been told the problem was, and board to board transfers which we were told what the problem was. Then they could then they could be forced to not participate, but if it's just a one time change uh. But it
Uh, this would allow it. It does not change the bill uh representative Brooks bill the way that it was passed. It does lay the framework. To allow students to change regardless of what they participate in one time in high school. Your bill does that. The questions from the committee.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:13:19
Oh, I'm sorry, Senator Murdoch. You have a question. Oh, OK, all right, Senator
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
1:13:31
Dodson. Senator Clark, could you, could you repeat that again just so I understand and I'm clear so that I'm clear. If Represented
Brooks, 1633. get signed into law, which I don't, I think it had a Senate amendment, so it's in the House right now, I'm assuming it probably will go through since
it already went through one time. That one. In 11th and 12th grade required somebody to sit out 365 if they transferred. If this goes into effect, this would open it up to where they didn't have to sit out in 11th or 12th grade unless they had made. Transfers
Speaker 299
1:14:12
twice in in 2 years. This amending current law
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
1:14:16
does that. Uh, because of representative Brooksville, it won't do that.
All it because this is not permissive, this is not allowing anything, it's coming back and saying if you transfer twice or if you transfer after June 1st. Then you can be forced not to participate, so it doesn't doesn't amend represent the Brooks bill in any way, it's still going to be that you can't transfer to 12th grade, but this and putting it into the school choice section gives the framework to come back later.
And do school choice the way it should be done. Though this would not
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
1:14:56
change. If that one becomes law, if that one becomes law, this would
be a completely separate thing. It's a completely separate section. OK. So will people be
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:15:10
confused? I mean if we have different things in different sections of the law will anybody know what the What really is the uh the real thing. Uh
Speaker 304
1:15:18
no, ma'am, I don't believe it will cause any confusion.
Senator Reginald Murdock
Unverified
1:15:27
The Murdo. Uh, to that point that you just mentioned, chair, I think Senator Clark only because of your level of ineptness into this subject matter. Do you feel the level of confidence you probably feel to those of general public and others that may have indulged in committee seeing it now. It's very confusing what's going on with
these bills that have sections alike pulling out a section, adding a word, taking a word, so I do agree with the. and to other people in the general community that communicated to me that this is just a mess and people, that's a word of people that they're using to describe as we go back and forth with these different bills. I'm sure you understand it and it's clear to you, but it's not clear yet to the committee and probably to the general public on what we're really trying, how we're trying
to land this plane. we in a turbulent situation now, trust me, with understanding and what that does me as a older, obviously it makes me reluctant. Without doing a whole lot of consultation outside of committee with those that's going to be affected by this, so that's the issue that we're at today, or I am for sure. So let me
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
1:16:50
be clear, uh, SB 436 was in this committee.
Uh, and ready to run before Representative Brooks's bill came to this committee.
Oh And I attempted Came here several times to attempt to run this bill. The I have no problem with this bill fail failing in Senate education, uh, because this bill is the answer that says that you can Uh Under current law without representative Brooks's bill being in effect yet that you can still as an athlete to school
choice and not be punished for it. Uh, where the other bill says that if you're an athlete and going into the 11th, 12th grade, uh, contrary to being in the band like the the gentleman that told you he had twin sons, one played the
saxophone and one played basketball. Uh. It The So we've done one thing.
This is the real fix which was here before. I have no problem with it failing here.
Uh, but was definitely going to present it. No. Are there questions from the committee. There's
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:18:23
nobody in the audience to speak for or against the bill. Are you closed? I'm closed for the
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
1:18:27
bill. Appreciate a good vote. Uh I As amended, OK.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:18:34
I have the people. Don't have enough votes. I mean, in As
Speaker 235
1:18:47
this. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, members
Speaker 280
1:18:53
of the committee. SB 438. There is an amendment.
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
1:19:09
The amendment, would you like for me to present the amendment? Let me know
when you're ready. The amendment in the bill, it's a lifetime ban, uh, from coaching in Arkansas if If it's proved that you were recruiting because that's the other problem that we're told that we have in spades. Uh The those who suffer should not be students and their families, but those who are doing the recruiting, uh, that we hate so
much. The and so this changes it from a lifetime ban to whatever penalty the AAA should choose on the first. O violation and a 5 year ban on the 2nd violation.
Are the questions from the committee, Senator Davis. part time.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:20:13
Do I hear a second on the paper. I'm back. don't have enough I. Your note. OK. Obviously if the bill fails. I was just presenting the amendment. To adopt the amendment. The amendment fails. OK. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, members of the committee.
Representative Brooks in the room. We may hear your bill. We may not be able to pass it because we may not have or. Hold on it because
we don't have enough. Folks, go ahead, you identify yourself, you'll be recognized. Thank you, Madam
Representative Keith Brooks
Unverified
1:21:18
Chair. Um, Keith Brooks, State Representative District 78, with your permission, I'd like to bring up Secretary Oliva.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:21:23
On this bill as well. bring Secretary Aliva up to the table as well. You'll identify yourself,
Representative Keith Brooks
Unverified
1:21:46
you'll be recognized.liva, Department of Education. So HB 1598 is a department bill that is very simple in nature. I also love the fact that it has an endpoint. We in July or in
2026, the bill goes are the law would go away, so this is relative to the fact that we know that we have a new testing system, uh, Atlas has come online and the department is asking for a pause in the grating, uh so that we can uh get to a place where we can clarify those who are not comparing uh different types of assessments. In terms of the grading and with that'll be happy to answer any questions. other questions from the committee. See none.
Speaker 327
1:22:28
Have anything to say, Secretary Oliva. Hope
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:22:42
everybody had a wonderful spring break. So we do not have enough votes, folks, Senator Johnson, do you
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
1:22:48
have a question Madam Chair, I suggest that maybe we have a 10 or 15 minute recess and see if we can. Get some, get some people from other committees that are bills that
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:22:59
would be a good suggestion. Come back in here and we will be recessed for about 15 minutes. 15 minutes, so 11:20. Thank you.
Yeah. Welcome back. Representative Brooks, if he would
Representative Keith Brooks
Unverified
1:43:11
proceed. Thank you, Madam Chair. Appreciate the brief recess. So, uh, we've explained HB 1598 and there were no questions, so I'm closerville and appreciate a motion to pass. Oh.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:43:28
Everybody's speaking for or against the bill. you pass 2nd. All
in favor, all opposed. Thank you Madam Chair. Thank
you. Thank you. OK, let's see here. Uh Oh painter Represented painter.
But If you will identify yourself, you'll be
Representative Stetson Painter
Unverified
1:44:11
recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. Representative Stetson Painter, District 3. Baxter County and Fulton County. Presenting HB 1561, Senator Hill can be here since he's chairing a transportation committee, so you'll have to be stuck with me. This, this bill does is disclosure of past gifts valued
at 250,000 or more since 2019. Disclosure of future gifts valued at 2,250,000 or more disclosure of past contracts valued at 250,000 or more since 2019. Disclosure of future contracts valued at 2500 or more. Also established an investigative process by the Inspector general to address alleged violations of failure to comply with the previous thing. That I just said Prohibit, uh, prohibits culture exchange agreements with foreign adversary countries and
reporting obligations. screening process for hiring institutions with federal research expenditures of 10 million or more. Foreign adversary tra travel monitoring program restrictions are reporting on travel to foreign adversary countries, restrictions on partnerships with foreign adversary countries. Uh, imposes criminal penalties for the misappropriation of trade secrets intellectual property by foreign adversaries, review all software hosted and operated owned by a foreign adversary country plan to
eliminate reliance on such software. HB 1561 is intended to protect our higher ed institutions and our state from bad actors and located foreign adversary. So I first want to say I appreciate the Attorney General's office and the governor's office for working with me on this. I also want to say I do take thank you very much for the hiring. institutions that work with me on this, um, but this is all that bill does, and I would appreciate a good vote to be able to answer any questions. The questions from the committee.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:46:08
Anybody in the audience like to speak for or against the bill.
The will of the committee. Second There are
discussion on the motion. All in favor All post, thank you very much. Appreciate it. All right, Senator Davis, you want to present um Senate Bill 522.
Speaker 342
1:46:43
Have it And You'll identify yourself, you'll be recognized.
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
1:47:00
Thank you, Madam Chair, Brianne Davis, State Senate District 25, um, Senate Bill 522. I'm running for Senator McKee, um, because he's in another committee, and I think there are people here that can speak to the bill.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:47:25
You will identify yourselves, you'll be recognized. Certainly Melissa
Speaker 344
1:47:28
Rust, University of Arkansas System. Thank you, Madam Chair. I
Speaker 346
1:47:35
am the dean of academic affairs for the Arkansas School for Mass Science and the
Speaker 160
1:47:40
Arts. Hi, I'm Jason Hudna also with the Arkansas School for Mathematics Sciences and the Arts. Go ahead. Um Madam
Speaker 344
1:47:49
Chairman and members of the committee, um, this is a straightforward bill, fairly
short, as, as you can see from um from the bill itself, it's simply um provides authority for the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees to to determine tuition and fees for and fully online program that ASMSA would like to offer uh currently the law prohibits tuition and fees being assessed for their residential program. This does not change anything about the residential program. It would just simply address a new online program that um they
would like to put into place and we have two folks from ASMSA who are here today if, if anyone has any specific questions about the bill or about the program. Go ahead.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:48:41
Are they questions from the committee. Is there anybody in
the audience who would like to speak for or against this bill. Seeing none.
Motion to do pass 2nd. On they all post. Thank you very much. You passed your bill. Thank you, sir. OK, let's see. Representative Duke.
Speaker 27
1:49:35
If you will identify yourself, you'll be recognized.
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
1:49:44
Thank you, Madam Chair. Hope Duke District 12, Northwest Sinton County. Could you bring your microphone just a little bit closer. Thank you. That's it. Thank you. Hope Duke District 12, Northwest Binton County. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you members. Street. Beg your pardon. Oh, I'm sorry, we're doing House Bill 1640. My apologies.
Go ahead. This is a pretty straightforward bill. It's about transparency and some local control. So if you look at it, it basically what it does is it adds to the definitions of administrator. Principal, assistant principal, and curriculum director in regards to this section of code in just the eth ethical guidelines, and I'm sure as y'all are aware, education's changed a lot over the last 20 years and the roles of those individuals, those departments
have kind of grown as well. Curriculum director was something we didn't even have several years ago. So this just includes them in those definitions in this section of the code and then what it also does it says that is they If they are contract with a company or they work for a vendor or a company that is also under contract with their school district that they are not able to do that unless they get a waiver, and that waiver you can see that is on the 2nd page. Again, it's a similar thing we already had for administrators as far as superintendents and
assistant superintendents. The addition in this though is besides getting the approval of the commissioner of elementary and secondary education. They also have to go to the local school board so they can get a waiver, they and work for a company that is in contract with their school, but to do that, they have to first get a waiver from their local school board and also from the commissioner. And like I said, it's just about having some transparency and clarity on the local school board being informed and knowing what's going on and also transparency for the public and just keeping
everything up front and open. With that, I'm happy to answer any
Speaker 357
1:51:43
questions. Questions from the committee. Anybody in the audience who likes
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:51:53
to speak for or against the bill. What does the will ocean. 2nd, Paul Weber all post. Thank you
very much, Bash to Bill. Thank you. And you have a second bill. I'm sorry, you have a 2nd bill? Yes, ma'am, we were going to
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
1:52:10
hear that on Wednesday. I had some people that were coming to speak as well on that, so if that's OK, it's just dandy. Thank you.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:52:18
I appreciate that. Thank you, members. OK, let me see here we have uh it's Joey Carr
here. Representative car. You're running that bill, Senator Petty is coming up next. Go ahead. Senator Petty, you want to go ahead.
And that is Senate Bill 515. And if you'll identify
Speaker 361
1:52:54
yourself, you'll be recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. Jim Petty, Senate District 29. for him. Uh, SB
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
1:53:01
515 is a relatively straightforward bill. Uh, I've had the opportunity the last several years to work with a number of veteran organizations and then most recently our local VFW post, which is the oldest in
Arkansas had a 100 year celebration and, and so throughout the course of the last few years. Something became apparent to me, uh, and that is, uh, we have a generation that has very little knowledge of what it truly means to be a veteran. And the sacrifices that they made, we have uh Uh 66,000 approximately based on
the latest numbers of World War II veterans that are still alive. The last remaining World War I veteran died in 2011. And only about 10% of the veterans from Vietnam remain alive today, the youngest being in the mid-50s and so in working with these veterans the last few years on on other unrelated matters, it just became apparent to me that they, they are still
and remain so patriotic they sacrifice so much so we could sit here today even and talk about the freedoms that we have and so all this bill. is attempting to do is working with the Department of Education to create a single unit around veterans, not about the political ramifications of war, not who started the war, but what it means to be a veteran. Who leaves a job or leaves a family who leaves a crying child to go off to sacrifice for us
and the freedoms that we have, and that's in a nutshell what this bill has attempted to do and it encourages the Department of Education to work with veteran organizations to find suitable well. Undocumented stories to teach again just a small single day could be in conjunction with Memorial Day or Veterans Day, but just a focus on what it truly means to be a veteran and what they sacrifice for us with that, I'm happy to try to answer any questions.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:55:17
questions from the committee. So Betty in the audience to speak for or against
the bill. I'm close, and I would appreciate a good vote motion to and 2nd. Any discussion on the motion, all in favor. Oppose. Thank you very much. Pastor Bill. OK, let me see. He married.
That bill. that House Bill 1697. 16. Thank you,
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
1:56:04
Madam Chair, Jim Dodson, state senator, District 34 on House Bill 1697 and With me, Shane Broadway ASU system. I will let
Speaker 368
1:56:10
Shane go through this bill be put on my tombstone mountain chair, uh.
Speaker 369
1:56:21
This is the twenty-eighth year I've been involved with this bill. Uh, every session before prior to every session, ADHE sends out an email to all institutions. Asking them if they have additional need for provisional positions and additional vehicles, provisional positions are different. The Senator Davis is the chair of personnel. She knows are different than regular salaried positions, provisional positions are those positions that are grant funded or come from foundation funds or other
funds where the employee signs an agreement when they take the job, knowing that if the funds expire, the position goes away, and so these are the institutions who have need that are in the bill who asked ADHE for additional positions. All of these are go through personnel, and there is no financial impact. All of these would be paid for by grant funds or foundation funds. Not everybody needs one or needs additional positions. The challenge is it's always in code.
And if you don't ask for them, you have to wait 2 years, if something were to come up.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:57:40
We're open for questions. The questions from the committee. There's nobody in the audience
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
1:57:44
to speak for or against the bill. I'm, I'm closed to
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:57:47
make a motion to pass. I hear a second 2nd. Any discussion on the motion. All they were
all, thank you very much. I'm gonna,
I'm gonna get um McKenzie come. McKenzie here.
Go away. No, just I'm gonna do a Mackenzie is a school board thing. It's mine. It's my bill. Oh, I'm I'm the
Speaker 117
1:58:41
Senate sponsor Mackenzie, go ahead and do
Senator Jane English
Unverified
1:58:45
that, you. Senator Sullivan's going to do Senate bill 547.
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
1:59:04
Senator Dan Sullivan District 20, Jonesboro. Go ahead. Folks, this is Senate Bill 547, this is very simple what it does right now there's a 25 mile limit if you want to play sports in a district outside of your home private school district. This just says there's no limit. So if you're in a homeschooled or a private school that doesn't offer a sport. There's no limit on how far you can drive to
participate in a school that is local or of your choice, kind of it mimics the Uh, homeschool bill now. You can see in line 9 it just
strikes at 25 mile limit. We're glad to answer any questions. Are there questions from the committee. So 5:47
Senator Jane English
Unverified
2:00:58
Senator Bryant a moment. Are there any questions from the committee? Nobody in the audience to speak for or against
the bill. I'm closed and closed, closed to make a motion to pass. I hear a second. Any, any discussion on the motion. All in favor all posed. Thank you very much. You passed your bell. Representative McKenzie.
Unknown speaker
2:01:28
Yeah has an amendment OK Yes, ma'am, I've been here. It's what, OK. OK.
Speaker 366
2:02:13
takes a minute. There you go and pull it up
Speaker 358
2:02:23
close to you. Britt McKenzie. Oh, it
Representative Brit McKenzie
Unverified
2:02:26
does work. Bert McKenzie, uh, state representative, District 7, Rogers, Arkansas. Go ahead. I would need a chairwoman to you we have an amendment here.
Speaker 17
2:02:41
Yeah, it's my amendment. I can't make
Speaker 383
2:02:45
an amendment in your committee. I can't. A an amendment in your
Senator Jane English
Unverified
2:02:52
committee. So do I hear motion? 2nd all border thank you. Thank you. Appreciate
Representative Brit McKenzie
Unverified
2:03:01
it. Um, I'm here today to present House Bill 1724. This is a continued, this is a bill to help continue protecting uh. Uh, by moving our school board
elections to win voters actually vote, which currently, as we know, voter turnout for school board elections is astronomically low, um, if it's supposed to be a sense of our community, it's best to for these elections to take place when other nonpartisan local races take place, that would be specifically and again with the bill that we just amended, we updated it to reflect the bill that has passed both our chambers and has been signed by the governor to have March be the permanent
location of our um our primaries and then the uh if a runoff needs to exist, it takes place in a general election. So again, this is a good bill for a lot of reasons, but it helps unify what we've been doing as a state for many years having these elections take place when people actually vote not placing the burden on school districts to pay for special elections, not placing the burden on communities to have school board elections take place when no one is actually voting. Uh, also in the bill we've we've created some uniformity in 4 or 6-year terms. That was the
previous amendment that we passed out of the house so that school districts still have that local option to determine how long those terms should be, but always creating a two-year stair step for two folks again depending on the varying sizes of boards, no more than 30% of that board, 33% of the board will be off in every given election year. So we create uniformity in the fact that we're not going to have 50% or over percentage of School boards facing attrition in a given preferential election
cycle, as well as we're having folks in our communities who want to stand for election and to represent their communities do so when when the most stakes are are in place again this is very much in the same vein as what we've done with all or with other nonpartisan local elections. What else should I mention here? This is hopefully going to prescribe additional fairness, um, scrutiny from the community for those who want to stand for these elections. I'm happy to take any questions.
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
2:05:19
questions from the committee, Senator Johnson. Thank you, Madam Chair, and, and I was hoping to get An explanation
of the amendment that we just adopted, um, specifically because it's, it's fairly fairly long, just as far as what what were the the specific changes from the
bill I read to what's being amended now, correct,
Representative Brit McKenzie
Unverified
2:05:43
so the amendment reflects additional feedback from the Arkansas State School Board Association, as well as the Arkansas administrator,
Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, um, for concerted feedback on them. If we want to go line by line, it helps for adding language about at large seats, um, the option in the event of an absence, that's a big portion of this. was previously excluded in the in the first draft of the bill. Um, what was
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
2:06:10
that now in an absence of I'm sorry. Uh, page 2
Representative Brit McKenzie
Unverified
2:06:15
line E1 until his or her elected successor subscribes to the director's oath again,
when we set a date, so again if in an election in a in a primary if someone wins over with the plurality of the vote, they assume the office in the event that they don't have a plurality of vote, then they have to go to the the the uh Runoff, which would be in the general election, that creates disparity in the event that you have multiple seats up as well as when the predecessor ends March
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
2:06:44
under this bill as amended, it would be in March, but then the runoff
would be in November, correct? Yeah. And so that. This just clarifies that
whoever's sitting in a seat continues to op. Occupy the seat until the November election is finalized. OK. Were there any other? Other changes
besides that, obviously changing to March primary stamps, um. That that's the long and the
Representative Brit McKenzie
Unverified
2:07:08
short of it, I believe. We had a A lot of stakeholders send in commentary we combined, but time stamps for the beginning and the end dates, but no, that's about the extent of it. OK. Thank you.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
2:07:33
Are there further questions? anybody here in the audience to speak for or against the bill? Say none. What is the will
Representative Brit McKenzie
Unverified
2:07:45
of the committee? Want me to close, OK, again, this is, I appreciate a good vote and a motion if possible from anyone at the table if they so desire. This is a good compromise bill. We've seen different iterations of this come, get off, fail to get off the launching pad. We've brought the stakeholders to the table to
my knowledge, no known opposition, so we're looking forward to passage. So thank you
Senator Jane English
Unverified
2:08:03
for a good vote. You Second. The discussion on the motion. All in favor. All post. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much. OK, and Senator Johnson. You will, I
Identify yourselves, you'll be recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. Mark Johnson,
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
2:08:43
State Senator District 17. Can you pull that up closer to you. Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 395
2:08:53
OK, thank you. with me I'll let them introduce themselves. Michael, good morning. I'm Michael Moyers. I'm a
Speaker 396
2:08:57
partner with Friday Eldridge and Clark and the Bond world. Uh, my name is Tara Smith, and I'm with the University of
Tara Smith
Unverified
2:09:07
Arkansas System. Go ahead. Thank you, Madam
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
2:09:16
Chair. Senate Bill 545 is basically a modernization bill with our revenue bond law for higher ed. When this was first passed in 1947, we didn't have things like the cloud and software licenses and things like this, uh, the law requires that we specifically authorize
institutions to issue these bonds, so this, this bill brings the existing statutory Authority in Title 6 up to date with the real world of the 21st century, uh, primarily we're talking about going from the days when bonds were bonds were for construction for what we would call bricks and mortar and real estate, and now we have things like software, cloud-based software and things
like this and a medical equipment often falls into the same situation. These are typically financed. through through bonds when you're dealing with public entities. The bill is, I think, cautionary. It's, it's, you know, there's an argument could be made that the higher education institutions could could have, could have the authority without this, but this just clarifies the fact that they specifically do, and I would certainly defer to Mr.
Moris and Ms. Smith for their uh answering any questions y'all might have to get technical, so I would then turn that over back to you, Madam Chair. Thank
Speaker 393
2:10:50
you. questions from the committee. questions that are not to.
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
2:11:06
Thank you, Madam Chair. So This is, this is adding. So, I think I may be.
I have grabbed the wrong bill here, this is adding um The ability to bond for things like software. Yes, sir. And so can you Let me
know and give me a comfort level that if we are bonding for something like technology that is rapidly depreciating assets. can't resell it, has no resale value, basically. Um, but we're incurring a A debt. What sort of time frame
are the bonds going to be on an asset that cannot be. Uh
Speaker 166
2:11:55
You know, recovered the any of the value of it. So for purposes of tax exempt bonds. There are numerous rules that the IRS has put in place that there has
Speaker 398
2:12:05
to be a relation to the average useful life of the asset and the debt that the useful life of the asset or the useful, the weighted life of the debt cannot exceed the useful
life of the asset by more than 120% in the world of the tax exempt bond issue. Now for a For a taxable bond issue, something that would not have to comply with the IRS regulations. There is still a mechanism for the state higher education coordinating board to opine on the feasibility of any obligation, so that's something that they would look at, but aside from what this legislation specifically does, it would be
just a guidelines set by the higher education coordinating Board, the requirements that The IRS is imposed for purposes of tax-exempt financing and just the institutions using sound fiscal judgment and Tara, I don't know if you have. The only thing that I would ask is. If, uh, institution of higher
Speaker 404
2:13:15
education would be packaging a bond issue such that it could be construction. There's could be
many projects that would be included within that bond issue. 1 may be construction of a building or another piece of it would be for financing the purchase of software such that you could structure it in your amortization, the, the, the piece that is for financing that software would only be, let's just say for example, typically it would be a 10-year amortization. So you could only take that out for that particular piece of the bond issue. and stretch that up or 10 your amortization for the software piece of it. So we work with underwriters and financial advisors that could help structure such a bond issue
that let's say may have a 30-year term where the piece of that bond issue that was for software would be limited to
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
2:14:03
a 10-year immunization. And just so I'm trying to walk through my brain here how this would
work. You said 120% of the asset, the lifespan of the asset, the, the bond can't exceed 120%, so, so say, say for instance it's $10 million. Uh, the debt could not be in
excess of $12 million over the course of that 10 year time
Speaker 398
2:14:31
was a 10 year asset of the useful life of the asset was 10 years. The debt could not extend, so not the dollar amount, but the term of the debt could be it couldn't be more
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
2:14:45
than 12 years. And And then on page 2 here line. 15, where it says other tangible or intangible properties, the intangible properties we're
talking about software. Are there any other items that might be intangible that I'm not. Thinking of that you might incur a debt on. That then the state, I'm, I'm, I'm specifically thinking of instances where there may be poor fiscal management by um You know what Uh, an institution that is being struck earlier in this bill that ends up uh you know, coming to the state and saying, hey, bail us out
Speaker 409
2:15:27
this this would not allow for that. It would not be an intangible asset for there to be a
Speaker 398
2:15:35
borrowing for things like operating expenses. There's still a requirement that this boot for a capital asset, but in the in the accounting world you can have a capital asset that is intangible, something that you cannot point out, like software being the software is the only example of anything that I have faced.
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
2:15:57
OK. And, and in the process of how this would work once this becomes law, then the institution can go forward with encumbering itself with the bonds without coming back before the Legislative council or any approval by the state, they can just go forward with encumbering themselves
Speaker 166
2:16:15
on these things have to go through the higher education coordinating Board for the
Speaker 398
2:16:20
feasibility, sign off on the feasibility and do they have to come back before?
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
2:16:28
Legislative counsel before they they get to sign off on that. I
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
2:16:33
don't believe they do have to go before the boards of their own institutions, so this in the case of say the University of Arkansas assistant members it would be the UA board or ASU board equivalent there because there's the authority is the universities or systems that are doing that, so it's, and remember these are revenue bonds. These are not general obligations of the taxpayers, so That's on the bonded side.
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
2:17:02
Then let's say we go forward down you take out the, the bonds, you have it
all, and then you go shopping for Property or intangible property like software and you, you come up with that, you have the revenue, uh, bonded then those purchases would then have to come back for review, uh, and state the method of finance and that sort of thing. That's correct. That's what's going to allude to is that the next step would be that a method of finance
Speaker 404
2:17:29
would have to be submitted and that does go
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
2:17:32
through the legislative review process could take out the bonded debt, however, you couldn't make the purchase before you go through the. process of identifying what it is you're going to spend the process as well. OK, and that that would
Speaker 414
2:17:44
fall under procurement procedures, processes and things like that. That
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
2:17:47
is correct. OK. Thank you. They know it is there anybody in
Senator Jane English
Unverified
2:18:03
the audience who likes to speak for or against the bill. What is the will of the
committee? Motion 2nd. All in favor, all opposed. Thank you very much. Pass your bill. Thank you, Madam
Chair, committee. Representative Duke, you have a a house bill 1705. Yeah, she's gonna go ahead and run it.
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
2:18:33
Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you members. Pope Duke House District 12, Northwest Benton County. I appreciate your graciousness in allowing me to come back and go ahead and present this today figured to be respectful of everyone's calendar and how busy we are if we can go ahead and hopefully move this forward, go ahead and do this today. So I'm going to do my best to, if I may, go ahead and introduce the Bill Go ahead. OK. House Bill 1705. I'm going to try and keep this a little bit shorter, um, what I would refer to this has a little bit to do with legislative intent. It's something that I
thought about a whole lot when I first came down here, um, understanding the intent of bills, why we do things, what we're trying to do with those things. And, um, I believe it is especially important for us to understand the intent of our founding fathers, particularly for our students to understand the intent and the influences and the beliefs of our founding fathers when they formed the United States when they had created their founding documents and we have of course a lot of that information and documentation. We're very blessed to have the records that they have kept that explain to
us what their intent was whenever they drafted the declaration whenever they drafted the Constitution. And so many other pieces of the puzzle here. And so in, in my time as a former history teacher and also just the last several years in the legislature, hearing those conversations so much more. What are you trying to do with this bill? What is your intent? And knowing that what we think and what we believe and our perspectives really shape and drive what we do. And if you don't understand that a tent in the one of our bills. You can lose what this member wants to
do. If you don't know them, you don't know their beliefs, you don't know their intents in previous bills. So what this bill will do is it will embed In our existing social studies standards, and it will not go into effect until 2026, 27, so they'll have time to get this in place, but in grades 6 through 12 that they will study, the students will study the religious and moral beliefs of their founding fathers and how that influenced their documents and their decisions that they made. And you know, if we don't know where we came from as a nation. It's really hard to know
where to go, and I think that we need to have a little bit more elevated focus on that in our standards. And so um it is for that reason that I brought this bill forward. It was driven, you know, by people in my district and also people just out the state in conversations. And again, some of it just from my own life experience and knowing there were lots of things that I didn't understand, still don't think I have
as good a grasp on as I would like to have, but have realized in my time down here, how important it is to understand the intent of the
people who brought bills forward and particularly how important it is for our Um, generations to come, how to know what the intent was of their founding fathers, and you really can't know that if you don't study it. And so that's what that bill, this bill does. I, I had some experts with me, um, in
the House committee, um, I'm hoping, well, I can't even begin to reach the threshold of their knowledge on this, but I will do my best to answer questions, um, like I said, I just wanted to add the interest of time. I know everyone's busy and got full calendars, thought
Senator Jane English
Unverified
2:21:38
I would just go ahead and try and bring this bill forward today. Are there questions from the committee? Seeing none, or is there anybody
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
2:21:56
in the audience to speak for or against the bill? Do you like to close for your bill. I think this is just a really important piece, a missing piece of the puzzle that we don't have in our schools right now, and I think it will make us our, our kids in generations to come, better students and more importantly,
better citizens. And so with that, I would just appreciate a good vote. Thank you.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
2:22:19
What's the one? Beg your pardon, OK. the motion of discussion on the motion. Yeah, I just want
Senator Joshua Bryant
Unverified
2:22:26
to Encourage the committee if you have not watched the House committee testimony on this bill. I would recommend it. It was very eye opening to me and of course the Senate sponsor on this bill, and I was glad to participate
and watch it, and I would just encourage the committee
Senator Jane English
Unverified
2:22:50
to do that. No No. What's the will of the committee? OK. All in favor, all opposed. Thank you very much, Pastor you, Madam Chair.
Thank you, members. Appreciate it. OK, let me see, so, uh, Representative McClendon, 1684.
I can't, don't know if they find that in here. She OK. I can't buy those. Oh, thank you. Of this. Hey, if you'll identify
yourself. You will be recognized. Representative Mindy McAlinden House
Speaker 420
2:23:46
District 10, Senatorton, Bentonville, Bella Vista, and if you when you're
Senator Jane English
Unverified
2:23:50
is that better? Senator Sullivan, would you like
to identify yourself? Yes, Senator Dan Sullivan, District 20,
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
2:24:02
and I'm the Senate sponsor would like if the chair is OK to let Representative McClendon address the bill.
Representative Mindy McAlindon
Unverified
2:24:12
OK. Go ahead. Thank you. So this is House Bill 1684, it is the parents and teachers helping students succeed at. There's been a move across the country to have parents' bills of rights and um you know, we looked at one last session as well, and I think that's great. But one of the things that I think was missing was that we didn't have the teacher portion. that. And that I think teachers need to be recognized and the parents need to understand what rights teachers have as well in the classroom. And so this bill attempts to strike that balance between the parents' rights as well as the teacher's' rights,
and that was kind of my goal in creating this bill, I spoke with parents, school board members, teachers, superintendent, and even the AEA to try and find what does that look like and what's important to to people as we send kids to school because we all have the same goal and that goal is to foster an environment where Students are succeeding. And so this bill acknowledges that vital partnership between parents and teachers and shaping the educational journey of our children. It recognizes that when parents are involved and teachers are supported, students thrive.
This bill ensures that teachers have the authority to establish classroom rules, implement necessary consequences to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment, and it also provides teachers with the right to request assistance and training to enhance their classroom management skills. Moreover, the Paths Act reinforces the fundamental rights of parents to be involved in their child's education. It requires that schools facilitate open communication between students and their parents, encouraging discussions about the students' well-being. This is critical in ensuring that parents are informed and engaged in decisions that affect
their child's education and development. Um, it also addresses the need for transparency and accountability in our educational institutions. It allows parents to access their children's educational and health records to be sure that they are fully informed about their child's progress. The legislation aligns seamlessly with Governor Sanders' broader educational initiatives, the PAS Act complements these efforts by focusing on core educational values, parental involvement, and supporting our teachers. The bill does not overly burden schools with requests for
copying because it gives the school options. It allows them to make photocopies if they choose, but it also allows the school the opportunity to set up a meeting and let parents come in and review the materials. So schools should not be overburdened with having to make copies of a textbook, for example, um, it does not allow parents to opt their children out of complete complete classes, um, and it does not give teachers a right to remove a child without reason from the classroom. It does acknowledge the vital partnership between parents and teachers in. Shaping the educational journey of our children. It is a comprehensive approach
to continue to strengthen our educational system by strengthening and encouraging the collaboration between parents and teachers. It recognizes the authority and importance of both teachers and parents, and it is about creating a supportive environment for every student to have the opportunity to succeed. Questions from the committee. Senator Dotson. No. Is there anybody in
Senator Jane English
Unverified
2:27:06
the audience to speak for or against the bill.
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
2:27:19
What is the will of the committee? Don't have enough folks here, but I make a motion to pass. Center Bryant would step back in. OK Yeah
Senator Jane English
Unverified
2:27:56
Motion do pass in a second on in favor all opposed. Thank you very
Speaker 79
2:28:09
much. To, yeah, there's 5 of us. Local.
Speaker 84
2:28:17
Senator Dodson. Senator Dodson, Senator Bryant. Senator Bryant. Senator Murdoch. Senator Murdoch.
Senator King. Senator King, Senator Davis. Senator Davis. Senator Flowers. Senator flowers. Senator Sullivan, Senator Sullivan, I.
Speaker 436
2:28:41
We, I'm sorry we do not have enough votes.
Senator Jane English
Unverified
2:28:50
Thank you. Thank you for your presentation. And folks, I think that.
Looks us out for the day. So we will see you again on Monday. I mean Wednesday. 9:30
Agenda
Call to Order
SB425 J. English TO AMEND VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING ENHANCED TRANSPORTATION; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
SB436 A. Clark TO AMEND THE ABILITY OF A STUDENT WHO TRANSFERS UNDER THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT OF 2015 TO PARTICIPATE IN AN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY.
SB438 A. Clark TO PERMANENTLY BAN FROM COACHING A COACH OR AN ATHLETICS PERSONNEL MEMBER WHO RECRUITS A STUDENT.
SB450 B. Davis TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO INCLUDE A HUMAN FETAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSION IN THE RELEVANT STANDARDS DURING THE ARKANSAS ACADEMIC STANDARDS REVISION CYCLE.
SB266 J. Dotson TO AUTHORIZE A PUBLIC SCHOOL TO ADOPT A POLICY FOR ONE OR MORE STUDENT MENTORS.
SB205 A. Clark TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS OPPORTUNITY PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT; AND TO AMEND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT OF 2015.
SB467 C. Penzo TO MODIFY THE DEFINITION OF "HEALTHCARE PROVIDER" REGARDING STUDENT ATHLETE CONCUSSION EDUCATION TO INCLUDE CHIROPRACTORS OR CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIANS.
SB470 J. Dotson TO REQUIRE AN ADULT APPROVED TO OVERSEE THE ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE STUDENT ASSESSMENT TO CERTAIN STUDENTS IN A VIRTUAL SETTING TO MEET CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS.
SB482 K. Hammer TO REPEAL THE ARKANSAS OPPORTUNITY PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT; TO AMEND THE LAW RELATING TO TRANSFERS OF STUDENTS BETWEEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS; AND TO AMEND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT OF 2015.
HB1561 Painter TO ESTABLISH THE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROTECTION ACT OF 2025.
HB1598 Brooks TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A NEW ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS; AND TO REMOVE PUBLIC SCHOOLS FROM SCHOOL RATINGS FOR CERTAIN SCHOOL YEARS.
Recess
Reconvene
SB522 M. McKee TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING THE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS, SCIENCES, AND THE ARTS; AND TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO THE TUITION AND FEES PAID BY STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE ONLINE PROGRAMS.
HB1640 Duke TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "ADMINISTRATOR" AS IT RELATES TO ETHICAL GUIDELINES AND PROHIBITIONS; AND TO AMEND THE RESTRICTIONS ON EMPLOYMENT SPECIFIC TO PUBLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS.
HB1697 Joey Carr TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF TITLE 6 AND TITLE 19 OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING PROVISIONAL POSITIONS AND MOTOR VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS FOR STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
HB1705 Duke TO REQUIRE INFORMATION CONCERNING HOW THE RELIGIOUS AND MORAL BELIEFS OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS INFLUENCED THE FOUNDING OF THE UNITED STATES TO BE EMBEDDED INTO EXISTING SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS.
SB515 J. Petty TO REQUIRE THAT A UNIT DEDICATED TO ARKANSAS VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES BE INCLUDED WITHIN EXISTING ARKANSAS HISTORY COURSE CONTENT GUIDELINES.
SB545 M. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO THE PROPERTY AND FINANCES OF STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION; TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO BONDS; AND TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING RENTS, TOLLS, FEES, AND OTHER CHARGES RELATED TO ATHLETIC CONTESTS.
SB547 D. Sullivan TO REPEAL THE REQUIREMENT THAT A HOMESCHOOLED STUDENT LIVE WITHIN A CERTAIN RADIUS OF A PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR PURPOSES OF PARTICIPATING IN AN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY.
HB1684 McAlindon TO CREATE THE PARENTS AND TEACHERS HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED (PATHS) ACT.
HB1724 B. McKenzie TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS; AND TO AMEND THE DATE ON WHICH AN ELECTION OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS HELD.
Adjourn
Documents
| Title | Type | Pages | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agenda — EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE MEETING JOINTLY WITH ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION, Mar 31, 2025 | Agenda | 3 | Official source ↗ |
Speakers
Senator Jane English
Unverified
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
Speaker 26
Speaker 28
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
Senator Joshua Bryant
Unverified
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
Speaker 84
Speaker 94
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
Speaker 110
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
Speaker 126
Speaker 128
Speaker 132
Speaker 134
Speaker 146
Gary Newton
Unverified
Speaker 170
Speaker 172
Speaker 174
Speaker 180
Speaker 147
Speaker 185
Speaker 122
Speaker 194
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
Speaker 191
Speaker 202
Speaker 207
Speaker 36
Speaker 212
Speaker 217
Speaker 236
Speaker 241
Speaker 178
Speaker 208
Senator Reginald Murdock
Unverified
Speaker 285
Speaker 299
Speaker 304
Speaker 235
Speaker 280
Representative Keith Brooks
Unverified
Speaker 327
Representative Stetson Painter
Unverified
Speaker 342
Speaker 344
Speaker 346
Speaker 160
Speaker 27
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
Speaker 357
Speaker 361
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
Speaker 368
Speaker 369
Speaker 117
Speaker 366
Speaker 358
Representative Brit McKenzie
Unverified
Speaker 17
Speaker 383
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
Speaker 395
Speaker 396
Tara Smith
Unverified
Speaker 393
Speaker 166
Speaker 398
Speaker 404
Speaker 409
Speaker 414
Speaker 420
Representative Mindy McAlindon
Unverified
Speaker 79
Speaker 436