AR HB1507

Establishes the Public School Choice Act of 2013 as a comprehensive framework for student transfers between school districts, replacing provisions of the 1989 Public School Choice Act that were found unconstitutional by federal court.

Allows students to transfer to nonresident districts under specific circumstances including: parent employment, residence location, victims of violent crime, attendance at persistently dangerous schools, assignment to level 1 schools, districts in academic or facilities distress, military dependents, and mutual agreement between districts.

Requires transfer applications be submitted by July 1 annually with notification of acceptance or rejection by August 1, and permits students to return to resident districts during the school year by reapplying for future transfers.

School districts must adopt specific standards for accepting or rejecting transfer applications, prioritize sibling applications, cannot consider prior academic achievement or disciplinary history (except expulsions), and cannot require additional teachers, staff, or classrooms.

Declares an emergency effective immediately due to uncertainty created by unconstitutional provisions of the 1989 Act and thousands of students currently attending nonresident districts, with the act becoming effective upon Governor approval or expiration of veto period.