With the conclusion of the 95th General Assembly, the stage is set for the next edition of the Arkansas School Law Annotated. This comprehensive guide, edited by Lucas Harder, ASBA's Policy Services Director, will be your go-to resource for navigating the sweeping changes to Title 6 of the Arkansas Code and beyond.
This publication is available in print or electronic form. Copies are $85 each, which includes shipping. Pre-order by visiting bit.ly/lawbooks25 or find the link to order on ASBA’s website, www.arsba.org. Orders will ship by October. E-Books are not available until print copies are shipped.
Key updates include:
Accelerated Learning Programs: Public school districts are now mandated to offer accelerated learning courses in math, English, science, and social studies. This initiative aims to boost student achievement and prepare them for future academic challenges.
School Board Member Election Changes: School board member elections and length of terms have been adjusted for future elections. The law requires school boards to choose between four (4) and six (6) year terms and provides how term lengths will be staggered moving forward.
Bell to Bell, No Cell: The new law generally prohibits the use or possession of personal electronic devices by students during the school day outside of provided exceptions.
Free Breakfasts: The law provides one free breakfast per day to each student during the school year regardless of income level.
The Arkansas School Law Annotated goes beyond Title 6, encompassing a wide array of legislative changes that impact school districts. Here are some noteworthy acts:
Act 323 strengthens regulations on prohibited activities by public servants.
Act 329 exempts leased textbooks from the State sales tax.
Act 369 authorizes an employer to inform an individual’s potential employer that the employee was terminated or resigned due to sexual harassment or during a sexual harassment investigation.
Act 419 recodifies Title 19 so that the statutes governing professional services and other fiscal investment programs have new statutory numbers.
Act 456 updates the administration of the oath of office.
Acts 560 and 779 create the state captive property insurance program.
Act 573 mandates the display of the state motto and Ten Commandments in schools.
Act 590 creates an additional statute that prohibits the use or possession of tobacco and vape products on school campuses.
Act 592 enhances ethics and campaign finance laws.
Act 655 updates human resource poster requirements to include information for veterans.
Act 669 provides civil immunity for confiscating nicotine products from minors in schools.
Act 683 strengthens laws against sexually grooming a child.
Act 748 amends the length of time law enforcement agencies are required to pay for training provided by another agency.
Acts 505, 649, and 992 update the Freedom of Information Act
This publication is a must-have for anyone involved in Arkansas education, offering clarity and guidance on the latest legal changes. Pre-order your copy today and stay ahead of the curve!