AR HB1017

Allows the State Board of Education to permit public school districts to offer an elective academic study of the Bible course that is nonsectarian and nonreligious, examining the Bible's influence on literature, art, music, culture, and politics.

Requires curriculum standards to meet the academic rigor of other approved elective courses and comply with both Arkansas and United States Constitutions.

Mandates that course instruction be objective and nondevotional with no attempt to indoctrinate students about the truth or falsity of biblical materials, and prohibits teaching religious doctrine or sectarian interpretation.

Requires teachers assigned to the course be licensed Arkansas educators and prohibits assignment based on religious test, profession of faith, religious affiliation, or particular beliefs about the Bible.

Directs school districts using only the standards outlined in the bill to evaluate textbooks and teach the course, with no requirement for the State Board to adopt new rules or curriculum frameworks.