AR HB1096

Amends Arkansas Code § 6-20-2202(a)(1) to require school district boards, open-enrollment public charter schools, and education service cooperatives to prepare annual budgets complying with normal budgetary guidelines established by the State Board of Education, with budgets filed by September 30 each year.

Allows school districts, open-enrollment public charter schools, and education service cooperatives to request waivers from the Department of Education if they wish to deviate from normal budgetary guidelines.

Amends Arkansas Code § 6-20-2207(a)(1) to authorize the State Board of Education to promulgate rules governing a uniform budget and accounting system known as the "Arkansas Educational Financial Accounting and Reporting System."

Requires the system to include a uniform chart of accounts called the "Arkansas Financial Accounting Handbook" that is exempt from the rule-making process under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act.