Arkansas Educational Acts

Arkansas Educational Acts are laws passed by the Arkansas General Assembly that govern and guide the policies, procedures, and expectations for K–12 public education across the state. These acts help shape how schools operate, what is taught, how students are assessed, and how educators are supported and held accountable.

Key Arkansas Education Acts

  • Public School Choice Act of 2015

  • ACT 1039 - Dyslexia Screening and Intervention

  • Act 501 (HB1545) Arkansas Military Child School Transitions Act
    The Arkansas Military Child School Transition Act focuses on improving how the state supports military-connected children. It specifically addresses the challenges military families face when transitioning between schools


  • ACT 754 Student Data Security Act
    The Arkansas Student Data Vendor Security Act is a state law enacted to protect student data privacy in Arkansas. It focuses on regulating how school service contract providers handle student information, ensuring it's not used inappropriately or sold. 
    LINK TO APPROVED SITES

    The Jasper School District is committed to protecting student privacy. The purpose of this page is to share what personal student information is collected, how it is used and secured, and with whom it is shared. 

    • Read a summary of the state and federal regulations that protect the privacy of Arkansas students.

    • Review your rights. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older certain rights with respect to education.



  • Act 237 (SB 294 ) – The LEARNS Act
    Comprehensive education reform was signed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. It raised minimum teacher pay, expanded school choice through Educational Freedom Accounts (vouchers), modified graduation and testing requirements, restricted “critical race theory,” and introduced career-focused learning pathways.     LEARNS Website


  • Act 123 (HB 1164)
    Guarantees free breakfast for all public school students, regardless of household income, beginning with the 2025–26 school year.


  • Act 122 (HB 1173) – “Bell to Bell, No Cell”
    Prohibits student use of personal devices (such as cell phones, smart watches, and other Bluetooth devices) during instructional hours, with limited exceptions.


  • Act 400 (SB 223)- Religious Rights of 2025
    Clarifies students' and staff's rights to express religious beliefs in public schools. Requires districts to inform families annually.


  • Act 573 (SB 433)
    Mandates that all public school buildings display the Ten Commandments and the phrase “In God We Trust.” Currently facing court challenges.


  • Act 229 (HB 1253)
    Requires public schools to provide age-appropriate firearm safety education by the 2025–2026 school year.


  • Act 565 (SB 371) – Teacher and Student Protection Act
    Establishes legal protections for students and educators against repeated violent or abusive behavior.


  • Act 908 (SB 1866) – Eli’s Law
    Requires audio-recording devices to be installed in school locker rooms by the 2027–2028 school year to improve student safety.


  • Act 732 (SB 624)
    Updates rules for school choice transfers under the Opportunity Public School Choice Act.