reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 17 - INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE VISITOR PLACEMENT ORGANIZATION REGISTRATION ACT (§§ 6-18-1701 — 6-18-1708) › Section 6-18-1707 - Informational document

International student exchange visitor placement organizations that provide services to place students in this state shall provide before arrival to each student, host family, and school principal of the school in which the student is being placed an informational document in English that shall include the following:
(1)
An explanation of the services to be performed by the organization for the student, host family, and school district, which shall include:
(A)
The name, address, and telephone number of the local representative of the placement organization and the local representative's immediate superior; and
(B)
The responsibilities and duties of the local representative of the placement organization and the local representative's immediate superior;
(2)
A copy of this subchapter; and
(3)
(A)
Telephone numbers and email addresses that the student, host family, and school district may use for assistance, which shall include the telephone numbers and email addresses of the following organizations:
(i)
The United States Department of State; and
(ii)
The Council on Standards for International Educational Travel.
(B)
The telephone numbers shall include, at a minimum, a telephone number for the placement organization and the telephone numbers of the placement organization's national headquarters if any.
Acts 2009, No. 966, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 17 - INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE VISITOR PLACEMENT ORGANIZATION REGISTRATION ACT (§§ 6-18-1701 — 6-18-1708) › Section 6-18-1708 - Violations

A placement organization that fails to register as required by this subchapter or that submits false or incorrect information to the Secretary of State in filing statements required by this subchapter, whether or not the statement or report is verified, shall be prohibited from placing students in this state during the following academic year.
Acts 2009, No. 966, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 18 - ARKANSAS COMMISSION ON EYE AND VISION CARE OF SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN (§§ 6-18-1801 — 6-18-1804) › Section 6-18-1801 - Intent

(a)
The General Assembly recognizes:
(1)
The importance of adequate eye and vision care for school-age children as an important component to maximizing their educational opportunities and classroom performance; and
(2)
The need for a study to be conducted to evaluate eye and vision care in school-age children and to develop a strategic statewide plan regarding the needs and solutions of eye and vision problems of school-age children.
(b)
Therefore, the purposes of this subchapter are to create a commission to conduct such a study and to make findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor.
Acts 2003, No. 755, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 18 - ARKANSAS COMMISSION ON EYE AND VISION CARE OF SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN (§§ 6-18-1801 — 6-18-1804) › Section 6-18-1802 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2023, No. 365,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 2003, No. 755, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 18 - ARKANSAS COMMISSION ON EYE AND VISION CARE OF SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN (§§ 6-18-1801 — 6-18-1804) › Section 6-18-1803 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2023, No. 365,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 39, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 38, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 2003, No. 755, § 3; 2005, No. 1438, § 2; 2007, No. 138, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 18 - ARKANSAS COMMISSION ON EYE AND VISION CARE OF SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN (§§ 6-18-1801 — 6-18-1804) › Section 6-18-1804 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 40, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 2003, No. 755, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 19 - PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT OF 2015 (§§ 6-18-1901 — 6-18-1909) › Section 6-18-1901 - Title - Legislative findings

(a)
This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Public School Choice Act of 2015".
(b)
The General Assembly finds that:
(1)
The students in Arkansas's public schools and their parents will become more informed about and involved in the public educational system if students and their parents are provided greater freedom to determine the most effective school for meeting their individual educational needs. There is no right school for every student, and permitting students to choose from among different schools with differing assets will increase the likelihood that some at-risk students will stay in school and that other, more motivated students will find their full academic potential;
(2)
Giving more options to parents and students with respect to where the students attend public school will increase the responsiveness and effectiveness of the state's schools because teachers, administrators, and school district board members will have added incentive to satisfy the educational needs of the students who reside in the district; and
(3)
These benefits of enhanced quality and effectiveness in our public schools justify permitting a student to apply for admission to a school in any school district beyond the school district in which the student resides, provided that the transfer by the student does not conflict with an enforceable judicial decree or court order remedying the effects of past racial segregation in the school district.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 560,§ 2, eff. 3/20/2015.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1227,§ 6, eff. 4/16/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 19 - PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT OF 2015 (§§ 6-18-1901 — 6-18-1909) › Section 6-18-1902 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter:
(1)
"Nonresident district" means a school district other than a student's resident district;
(2)
"Parent" means a student's parent, guardian, or other person having custody or care of the student;
(3)
"Resident district" means the school district in which the student resides as determined under §
6-18-202
;
(4)
"Transfer student" means a public school student in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) who transfers to a nonresident district through a public school choice option under this subchapter;
(5)
"Uniformed service member" means an active or reserve component member of the:
(A)
United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, United States Space Force, or United States Coast Guard;
(B)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps; or
(C)
United States Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service; and
(6)
"Uniformed service veteran" means a former uniformed service member who has been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 649,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 560,§ 3, eff. 3/20/2015.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1227,§ 6, eff. 4/16/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 19 - PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT OF 2015 (§§ 6-18-1901 — 6-18-1909) › Section 6-18-1906 - [See Note] Limitations

(a)
If the provisions of this subchapter conflict with a provision of an enforceable desegregation court order or a district's court-approved desegregation plan, either of which explicitly limits the transfer of students between school districts, the provisions of the order or plan shall govern.
(b)
Annually by January 1, a school district that claims a conflict under subsection (a) of this section shall submit proof from a federal court to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education that the school district has a genuine conflict under an active desegregation order or active court-approved desegregation plan that explicitly limits the transfer of students between school districts.
(c)
(1)
Proof submitted under subsection (b) of this section shall contain the following:
(A)
Documentation that the desegregation order or court-approved desegregation plan is still active and enforceable; and
(B)
Documentation showing the specific language the school district believes limits its participation in the school choice provisions of this subchapter.
(2)
(A)
Within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of proof under subsection (b) of this section, the division shall notify the school district whether it is required to participate in the school choice provisions of this subchapter.
(B)
The division may reject incomplete submissions.
(C)
If the division does not provide a written exemption to the school district, then the school district shall be required to participate in the school choice provisions of this subchapter.
(3)
The division shall maintain on its website a list of school districts that are not required to participate in the school choice provisions of this subchapter.
(4)
The State Board of Education may review a decision of the division upon written petition of the affected school district and may affirm or reverse the decision of the division under the rules promulgated by the state board to implement this subsection.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 129,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 39, eff. 3/8/2023.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 754,§ 4, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1582, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1581, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1580, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2018EX2, No. 14,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2018EX2, No. 9,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 988,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 1066,§ 4, eff. 4/6/2017.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 560,§ 6, eff. 3/20/2015.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1227,§ 6, eff. 4/16/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 19 - PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT OF 2015 (§§ 6-18-1901 — 6-18-1909) › Section 6-18-1907 - Rules - Appeal

(a)
The State Board of Education may promulgate rules to implement this subchapter.
(b)
(1)
A student whose application for a transfer under §
6-18-1905
is rejected by the nonresident district may request a hearing before the state board to reconsider the transfer.
(2)
(A)
A request for a hearing before the state board shall be in writing and shall be postmarked no later than ten (10) days after the student or the student's parent receives a notice of rejection of the application under §
6-18-1905
.
(B)
As part of the review process, the parent may submit supporting documentation that the transfer would be in the best educational, social, or psychological interest of the student.
(3)
If the state board overturns the determination of the nonresident district on appeal, the state board shall notify the parent, the nonresident district, and the resident district of the basis for the state board's decision.
(4)
A student is not permitted to request a hearing before the state board if his or her application for a transfer is rejected due to the application's not being timely received by both the resident district and nonresident district.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 490,§ 7, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 1066,§ 5, eff. 4/6/2017.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1227,§ 6, eff. 4/16/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 19 - PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT OF 2015 (§§ 6-18-1901 — 6-18-1909) › Section 6-18-1908 - Effective date

The provisions of this subchapter are effective immediately.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 560,§ 7, eff. 3/20/2015.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1227,§ 6, eff. 4/16/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 19 - PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT OF 2015 (§§ 6-18-1901 — 6-18-1909) › Section 6-18-1909 - Public school choice for dependent of uniformed service member and uniformed service veteran

(a)
A child shall be eligible for enrollment in the public school district of his or her choice if he or she is a dependent of a:
(1)
Uniformed service member in full-time active-duty status;
(2)
Surviving spouse of a uniformed service member;
(3)
Reserve component uniformed service member during the period six (6) months before until six (6) months after a Title 10, Title 32, or state active duty mobilization and service; or
(4)
Uniformed service veteran who is returning to civilian status at the conclusion of the uniformed service veteran's active duty status.
(b)
If a student eligible under subsection (a) of this section seeks to attend a school in a nonresident district, the student's parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to the student shall submit an application approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education by regular mail, electronic mail, or in person to the student's nonresident district and resident district, which includes:
(1)
A copy of the identification card of the student's parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis that qualifies the student under this section; and
(2)
A copy of the official orders, assignment notification, or notice of mobilization of the student's parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis.
(c)
An application deadline required under this subchapter shall not apply to a school transfer under this section.
(d)
A student eligible for a school transfer under this section shall be permitted only one (1) school transfer per academic year under this section.
(e)
The parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to a student eligible for a school transfer under this section shall be responsible for the transportation of his or her child to and from a nonresident district.
Added by Act 2023, No. 649,§ 5, eff. 8/1/2023.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 20 - SCHOOL COUNSELING IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2019 (§§ 6-18-2001 — 6-18-2005) › Section 6-18-2001 - Title

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "School Counseling Improvement Act of 2019".
Added by Act 2019, No. 190,§ 4, eff. 7/24/2019.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 20 - SCHOOL COUNSELING IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2019 (§§ 6-18-2001 — 6-18-2005) › Section 6-18-2002 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter:
(1)
"Administrative activities" means activities that are not directly related to the comprehensive school counseling plan and are absent of any direct student services or interaction;
(2)
"Direct services" means services that are provided through face-to-face contact with students, including without limitation:
(A)
Regular classroom guidance limited to forty-minute class sessions, not to exceed three (3) class sessions per day and not to exceed ten (10) class sessions per week;
(B)
Individual and group counseling;
(C)
Responsive services on behalf of students whose immediate personal concerns and problems put the student's academic, career, or social and emotional development at risk, including the administration of a risk assessment; and
(D)
Interventions for students who are:
(i)
At risk of dropping out of school; or
(ii)
Exhibiting dangerous behaviors, such as drug use, self-harm, or gang activity; and
(3)
"Indirect services" means consultations between a student, a parent or legal guardian, school staff, and community agencies concerning a student's academic, career, and social and emotional needs.
Added by Act 2019, No. 190,§ 4, eff. 7/24/2019.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 20 - SCHOOL COUNSELING IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2019 (§§ 6-18-2001 — 6-18-2005) › Section 6-18-2003 - Comprehensive school counseling program and plan framework

(a)
Each public school district shall:
(1)
Develop and implement a comprehensive school counseling program that ensures student services are coordinated in a manner that provides comprehensive support to all students; and
(2)
Have a written plan for a comprehensive school counseling program that:
(A)
Is implemented by an Arkansas-certified school counselor, a counselor serving under an additional licensure plan, or a school employee acting as a school counselor under a waiver granted under §
6-15-103(c)
;
(B)
Utilizes state and nationally recognized counselor frameworks;
(C)
Is reviewed annually and updated as needed by the school counselor in collaboration with the building administrator and other stakeholders;
(D)
Is systemically aligned to kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) within the public school district; and
(E)
Contains the following four (4) components of a comprehensive school counseling program:
(i)
Foundation, which includes without limitation:
(a)
Vision statements;
(b)
Mission statements; and
(c)
Program goals;
(ii)
Management, which utilizes assessments and other data to develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program;
(iii)
Delivery, which focuses on direct and indirect services through the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program; and
(iv)
Accountability, which ensures regular analysis of the comprehensive school counseling program that is provided.
(b)
The comprehensive school counseling program required under subsection (a) of this section shall:
(1)
Guide students in academic pursuits, career planning, and social and emotional learning;
(2)
Follow the comprehensive school counseling program guidance provided by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education;
(3)
Include goals that are developed annually based on the vision and mission statements that are shared by stakeholders to ensure equitable access to opportunities for all students; and
(4)
Identify student needs through a multilevel school data review that includes without limitation:
(A)
Data analysis;
(B)
Use-of-time data review;
(C)
Program results data; and
(D)
Communication and contact with administrators, parents, students, and stakeholders.
Added by Act 2019, No. 190,§ 4, eff. 7/24/2019.
See Act 2019, No. 506, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 20 - SCHOOL COUNSELING IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2019 (§§ 6-18-2001 — 6-18-2005) › Section 6-18-2005 - Monitoring and support

(a)
Each public school district is responsible for posting its annual comprehensive school counseling plan on the district website under "State-Required Information".
(b)
(1)
Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall monitor each public school district to ensure implementation and compliance with this subchapter.
(2)
Failure by a public school district to comply with this subchapter is a violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.
(c)
The division shall:
(1)
Employ at least one (1) individual who is certified as a school counselor;
(2)
Provide a multilevel system of support to public school districts to assist in complying with the requirements of this subchapter; and
(3)
Provide guidance and technical assistance to public school districts in order to support equitable access to public school counseling services.
(d)
The State Board of Education may promulgate rules to implement this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 650,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Added by Act 2019, No. 190,§ 4, eff. 7/24/2019.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 21 - FARM TO SCHOOL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM (§§ 6-18-2101 — 6-18-2103) › Section 6-18-2101 - Legislative findings

The General Assembly finds that:
(1)
Forty-seven (47) states have established farm to school programs to improve the health of children through the support of the following three (3) core elements:
(A)
School gardens;
(B)
Food, nutrition, and agriculture education; and
(C)
Procurement of local farm or food products for school meals and snacks in public and private educational institutions, early childhood programs, juvenile detention centers, residential childcare institutions, and other childcare learning facilities;
(2)
A successful farm to school and early childhood education program can increase a student's physical activity, participation in school meals, and preference for fresh fruits and vegetables;
(3)
A successful farm to school and early childhood education program can improve a student's academic achievement and student behavior;
(4)
Other states that have created a full-time farm to school and early childhood education program coordinator position have seen an increase in educational opportunities related to agriculture;
(5)
States with a full-time farm to school and early childhood education program coordinator have seen an increase in the procurement of local farm or food products for schools, which encourages a student's consumption of local farm or food products;
(6)
Increasing the procurement of local farm or food products for schools has the added benefit of supporting the state's agricultural economy by providing an additional revenue source for local farmers;
(7)
Farm to school activities support a nutritious school food environment;
(8)
Students who participate in farm to school activities are more likely to be familiar with, have a preference for, and consume more fruits and vegetables at both school and home;
(9)
Establishing a strong farm to school and early childhood education program provides support to Healthy Active Arkansas;
(10)
Establishing healthy behaviors at an early age may prevent the onset of chronic disease and other health conditions later in life;
(11)
The leading causes of death in Arkansas are heart disease, cancer, and stroke, which are illnesses often associated with dietary behaviors; and
(12)
Investing in the health of children will help them to achieve greater educational attainment and lead to stronger communities.
Added by Act 2019, No. 506,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 21 - FARM TO SCHOOL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM (§§ 6-18-2101 — 6-18-2103) › Section 6-18-2102 - Definition

As used in this subchapter, "local farm or food products" means food products that are grown in Arkansas or packaged and processed in Arkansas, or both.
Added by Act 2019, No. 506,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 21 - FARM TO SCHOOL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM (§§ 6-18-2101 — 6-18-2103) › Section 6-18-2103 - Farm to school and early childhood education program - Full-time coordinator position

(a)
A farm to school and early childhood education program is established within the Department of Agriculture for the purposes of:
(1)
Improving student health;
(2)
Developing an educated agricultural workforce;
(3)
Enriching the local farm or food products system and supporting the state's agricultural economy through the support and increase of procurement of local farm or food products for public schools;
(4)
Accelerating garden and farm-based education for students; and
(5)
Expanding the relationships between schools and agricultural communities.
(b)
(1)
(A)
The Department of Agriculture shall establish a full-time farm to school and early childhood education program coordinator position.
(B)
The farm to school and early childhood education program coordinator shall be the administrative head of the farm to school and early childhood education program.
(2)
The farm to school and early childhood education program coordinator shall:
(A)
Address the issues of supply, demand, procurement, and consumption of local farm or food products in schools and early childhood programs; and
(B)
Take reasonable steps to incorporate more agriculture and nutrition education into schools and early childhood programs.
(c)
The farm to school and early childhood education program coordinator shall implement a statewide farm to school and early childhood education program in collaboration with stakeholders, including without limitation:
(1)
The Child Nutrition Unit;
(2)
The Department of Human Services;
(3)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education;
(4)
The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service;
(5)
The Department of Health; and
(6)
Healthy Active Arkansas.
(d)
The farm to school and early childhood education program coordinator shall:
(1)
Prepare an annual report, in collaboration with stakeholders, that details the program activities conducted in furtherance of the following three (3) core elements of the farm to school and early childhood education program:
(A)
School gardens;
(B)
Food, nutrition, and agriculture education; and
(C)
Procurement of local farm or food products for school meals and snacks; and
(2)
Submit the annual report to the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development and to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development.
Added by Act 2019, No. 506,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 22 - ARKANSAS STUDENT PROTECTION ACT (§§ 6-18-2201 — 6-18-2204) › Section 6-18-2201 - Creation

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Arkansas Student Protection Act".
Added by Act 2021, No. 820,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 22 - ARKANSAS STUDENT PROTECTION ACT (§§ 6-18-2201 — 6-18-2204) › Section 6-18-2202 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter:
(1)
(A)
"Abortion" means the act of using or prescribing an instrument, medicine, drug, device, or other substance or means with the intent to terminate the clinically diagnosable pregnancy of a woman with knowledge that the termination by those means will with reasonable likelihood cause the death of the unborn child.
(B)
An action taken under subdivision (1)(A) of this section is not an abortion if the action taken is performed with the intent to:
(i)
Save the life of the mother;
(ii)
Save the life or preserve the health of the unborn child;
(iii)
Remove a dead unborn child caused by spontaneous abortion; or
(iv)
Remove an ectopic pregnancy;
(2)
"Abortion referral" means the act of recommending a pregnant woman to a doctor, clinic, or other person or entity for the purpose of obtaining or learning about obtaining an abortion;
(3)
"Affiliate" means an individual or entity that, directly or indirectly, owns, controls, is controlled by, or is under the common control of another person or entity, in whole or in part, or a subsidiary, parent, or sibling entity; and
(4)
"Transaction" means a formal or informal agreement, contract, or arrangement of any kind between a public school or open-enrollment public charter school and a private entity, regardless of whether the private entity or the public school or open-enrollment public charter school receives anything of value in return.
Added by Act 2021, No. 820,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 22 - ARKANSAS STUDENT PROTECTION ACT (§§ 6-18-2201 — 6-18-2204) › Section 6-18-2203 - Prohibited transactions

A public school or open-enrollment public charter school shall not knowingly enter into any type of transaction with an individual or entity that:
(1)
Performs abortions;
(2)
Induces abortions;
(3)
Provides abortions; or
(4)
Offers or provides abortion referrals.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 653,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Added by Act 2021, No. 820,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 22 - ARKANSAS STUDENT PROTECTION ACT (§§ 6-18-2201 — 6-18-2204) › Section 6-18-2204 - Rules - Enforcement

(a)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall promulgate rules to implement this subchapter.
(b)
Each public school and open-enrollment public charter school shall promulgate policies for the implementation of this subchapter and the rules promulgated by the division.
(c)
A public school or an open-enrollment public charter school that knowingly violates this subchapter shall, at the direction of the division or the State Board of Education, appear before the state board for the purpose of determining:
(1)
Why this subchapter and division rules were violated; and
(2)
How to prevent the violation of this subchapter and division rules in the future.
Added by Act 2021, No. 820,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 23 - PHILANTHROPIC INVESTMENT IN ARKANSAS KIDS PROGRAM ACT (§§ 6-18-2301 — 6-18-2308) › Section 6-18-2301 - Title

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Program Act".
Added by Act 2021, No. 904,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 23 - PHILANTHROPIC INVESTMENT IN ARKANSAS KIDS PROGRAM ACT (§§ 6-18-2301 — 6-18-2308) › Section 6-18-2302 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter:
(1)
"Educational scholarship" means a grant to a qualified student that covers all or part of the tuition and fees at a private school;
(2)
"Eligible contribution" means a monetary contribution from a taxpayer to a scholarship-granting organization or an amount prorated to be contributed to the scholarship-granting organization under §
6-18-2308
;
(3)
"Qualified student" means a student who:
(A)
Is eligible to attend a public school in this state;
(B)
Has an annual family income that is less than or equal to two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty guidelines as determined annually in the Federal Register by the United States Department of Health and Human Services under
42 U.S.C. § 9902(2)
; and
(C)
Either:
(i)
Was enrolled on a full-time basis in a public school in this state in the previous school year;
(ii)
Is enrolling in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) in the state for the first time;
(iii)
Was enrolled in a private school in the state and received an educational scholarship from a scholarship-granting organization under this subchapter in the previous school year;
(iv)
Was:
(a)
Residing in another state during the previous school year before enrollment in a private school in this state;
(b)
Not the recipient of an educational scholarship from a scholarship-granting organization under this subchapter; and
(c)
Not attending a private school in the state for more than one-half (1/2) of the school year before the year in which the qualified student is applying for an educational scholarship from a scholarship-granting organization under this subchapter; or
(v)
Is a student with a disability identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,
20 U.S.C. § 1400
et seq., as it existed on January 1, 2023;
(4)
"Scholarship-granting organization" means an organization that:
(A)
Complies with the requirements of this subchapter;
(B)
Receives eligible contributions that qualify eligible taxpayers for tax credits under this subchapter; and
(C)
Provides educational scholarships under this subchapter to qualified students attending private schools without limiting the availability of educational scholarships to qualified students of only one (1) school; and
(5)
"Taxpayer" means a resident individual or business, including without limitation:
(A)
Two (2) taxpayers who are eligible to file a joint federal income tax return;
(B)
A domestic or foreign corporation;
(C)
A partnership;
(D)
A Subchapter S corporation;
(E)
Another similar pass-through entity, estate, or trust; and
(F)
A partner, member, or Subchapter S corporation shareholder of a pass-through entity, estate, or trust.
Amended by Act 2023EX1, No. 5,§ 1, eff. 9/14/2023.
Added by Act 2021, No. 904,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 23 - PHILANTHROPIC INVESTMENT IN ARKANSAS KIDS PROGRAM ACT (§§ 6-18-2301 — 6-18-2308) › Section 6-18-2303 - Creation

There is created the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Program.
Added by Act 2021, No. 904,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 23 - PHILANTHROPIC INVESTMENT IN ARKANSAS KIDS PROGRAM ACT (§§ 6-18-2301 — 6-18-2308) › Section 6-18-2305 - Educational scholarships - Disbursement

The average amount of all educational scholarships awarded by a scholarship-granting organization to qualified students under this subchapter shall not exceed:
(1)
Eighty percent (80%) of the previous school year's foundation funding amount under §
6-20-2305(a)(2)
for qualified students who are in kindergarten through grade eight (K-8); and
(2)
Ninety percent (90%) of the previous school year's foundation funding amount under §
6-20-2305(a)(2)
for qualified students who are in grades nine through twelve (9-12).
Added by Act 2021, No. 904,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 23 - PHILANTHROPIC INVESTMENT IN ARKANSAS KIDS PROGRAM ACT (§§ 6-18-2301 — 6-18-2308) › Section 6-18-2308 - Prorated contribution amounts

A taxpayer may instruct his or her employer to divert a prorated amount of after-tax earnings to one (1) or more scholarship-granting organizations of the taxpayer's choice.
Added by Act 2021, No. 904,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 24 - STUDENT RESTRAINTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS OR EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS (§§ 6-18-2401 — 6-18-2409) › Section 6-18-2401 - Legislative findings

The General Assembly finds that:
(1)
It is the responsibility of each school district in Arkansas to ensure the safety of all students and school personnel;
(2)
It is the responsibility of each school district in Arkansas to ensure that every student in Arkansas is safe and protected from being unnecessarily or inappropriately restrained;
(3)
Safe, effective, evidence-based strategies should be the basis for protocols in public schools and educational settings to support every student who displays challenging behavior in a public school or educational setting;
(4)
Providing school personnel with training that is focused on evidence-based positive behavioral support, de-escalation techniques, and physical restraint prevention can reduce the incidence of injury, trauma, and death;
(5)
The effective implementation of school-wide positive behavioral support is linked to greater academic achievement, significantly fewer disciplinary problems, increased instruction time, and the perception of a safer teaching environment by school personnel;
(6)
Positive behavioral support involves school-wide approaches that result in:
(A)
Positive classroom and school climates;
(B)
Prosocial student and school personnel interactions;
(C)
Teaching a student academic, social, emotional, behavioral engagement, and achievement skills; and
(D)
Reinforcing the academic, social, emotional, behavioral engagement, and achievement skills of a student;
(7)
The use of effective positive behavioral support in public schools and educational settings can prevent an emergency situation that requires the use of physical restraint on a student; and
(8)
Every effort should be made to:
(A)
Prevent the need for secluding a student or using a physical restraint on a student;
(B)
Ensure that behavioral intervention is consistent with the right of a student to be free from abuse and treated with dignity;
(C)
Avoid the use of physical restraint on a student to the greatest extent possible without endangering the safety of other students and school personnel;
(D)
Avoid the use of a physical restraint on a student except in a situation where the behavior of the student poses an imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others;
(E)
Discontinue the use of a physical restraint on a student as soon as the imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others dissipates; and
(F)
Refrain from using chemical restraint or mechanical restraint in a public school or educational setting.
Added by Act 2021, No. 1084,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 24 - STUDENT RESTRAINTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS OR EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS (§§ 6-18-2401 — 6-18-2409) › Section 6-18-2402 - Applicability - Relation to other laws

(a)
This subchapter applies to any school-aged and enrolled student regardless of whether the student has an identified disability.
(b)
(1)
This subchapter does not supersede federal or state law.
(2)
A school district shall follow all relevant federal and state law, including without limitation the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,
20 U.S.C. § 1400
et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended,
42 U.S.C. § 12101
et seq., and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended,
29 U.S.C. § 794
et seq., when a student with a disability is restrained or secluded or whenever restraining or secluding a student with a disability is contemplated.
(c)
Each school district shall:
(1)
Adopt policies and procedures that are consistent with the provisions of this subchapter;
(2)
Review the Department of Education Special Education and Related Services Guidelines, § 20.00 Time-Out Seclusion Room; and
(3)
Provide its school personnel with the training, tools, and support needed to ensure the safety of all students and school personnel.
Added by Act 2021, No. 1084,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 24 - STUDENT RESTRAINTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS OR EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS (§§ 6-18-2401 — 6-18-2409) › Section 6-18-2406 - Responsibilities of school districts

A school district shall develop policies and procedures:
(1)
To ensure that school personnel are aware of how to access state and local policies and procedures regarding the use of physical restraint on a student;
(2)
To ensure that parents are notified of how to access state and local policies and procedures regarding the use of physical restraint on a student;
(3)
To ensure the safety of all school personnel, visitors, and students, including without limitation students with complex and intensive behavioral needs;
(4)
To require appropriate school personnel to be trained in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter;
(5)
(A)
That shall be implemented during and after an incident involving the use of physical restraint on a student.
(B)
The policies and procedures under this section shall include without limitation a requirement:
(i)
That a parent of a student shall be notified in writing of an incident involving the use of physical restraint on the student;
(ii)
To document an incident involving the use of physical restraint on a student; and
(iii)
To conduct a debriefing as provided under §
6-18-2407
when an incident involving the use of physical restraint on a student occurs;
(6)
(A)
For the acceptance and disposition of a complaint from a parent of a student regarding an incident involving the use of physical restraint on the student.
(B)
(i)
A complaint received by a school district concerning the use of physical restraint on a student shall be referred to the appropriate school personnel and the student's Individualized Education Program team or the student's 504 Plan team for review.
(ii)
If a student has an Individualized Education Program or a 504 Plan, the student's Individualized Education Program team or 504 Plan team shall consider whether:
(a)
A functional behavior assessment should be performed;
(b)
A behavior intervention plan should be developed or revised; and
(c)
Additional behavioral goals and interventions should be included in the student's existing Individualized Education Program or 504 Plan; and
(7)
To require the regular review of data on incidents involving the use of physical restraint on a student and the adjustment of procedures, as needed, concerning the use of physical restraint on a student.
Added by Act 2021, No. 1084,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 24 - STUDENT RESTRAINTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS OR EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS (§§ 6-18-2401 — 6-18-2409) › Section 6-18-2408 - Training - School personnel

(a)
A school district may conduct the following training for school personnel:
(1)
Training on the use of an array of positive behavior interventions, strategies, and supports to increase appropriate student behavior and decrease inappropriate or dangerous student behavior;
(2)
(A)
Annual training on responding to a student in behavioral crisis and preventing a behavioral crisis.
(B)
The training described under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section may be delivered using a web-based application and may include training on:
(i)
The appropriate procedures that may be used to prevent the need for physical restraint and crisis intervention, including without limitation positive behavior management and support strategies;
(ii)
The proper use of positive reinforcement;
(iii)
The continuum of alternative behavioral interventions;
(iv)
Crisis prevention techniques; and
(v)
De-escalation strategies for problematic behavior, including without limitation verbal de-escalation and relationship building; and
(3)
(A)
Training for school personnel who are selected to participate in a core team that is designated to respond to crisis and emergency situations that may require the physical restraint of a student.
(B)
The core team may receive training annually in the following areas:
(i)
Appropriate procedures for preventing the need for physical restraint or crisis intervention that includes the de-escalation of problematic behavior, relationship building skills, and the use of alternatives to physical restraint;
(ii)
Describing and identifying dangerous behaviors on the part of a student that may indicate the need for physical restraint or crisis intervention;
(iii)
The methods for evaluating the risk of harm in individual situations in order to determine whether the use of physical restraint or crisis intervention is safe and warranted;
(iv)
Simulated experience of administering and receiving physical restraint and crisis intervention;
(v)
Instruction regarding the effect of using physical restraint on a student, including without limitation instruction on monitoring physical signs of distress and obtaining medical assistance;
(vi)
Instruction on documentation and reporting requirements and the investigation of injuries; and
(vii)
Demonstration by participants of proficiency in administering physical restraint and crisis intervention.
(b)
A school district shall notify all school personnel of each member of school personnel who has been trained in the use of physical restraint procedures.
Added by Act 2021, No. 1084,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.