SB800 Summary

• Creates a new "Joint Adequacy Evaluation Committee" composed of 5 Senate members, 5 House members, and 2 Joint Budget Committee members to assess educational adequacy in Arkansas.

• Consolidates duties previously split between separate House and Senate education committees into a single joint interim committee with defined cochairs and vice chairs.

• Committee shall assess whether equal educational opportunity for adequate education is afforded to Arkansas students by reviewing public education spectrum, costs, teacher salaries, funding methods, and program effectiveness.

• Requires the joint committee to file draft reports by November 1 and final reports by December 1 each year before regular sessions, with implementation schedules, timelines, responsible parties, and proposed legislation for all recommendations.

• Committee has authority to conduct investigations, subpoena witnesses, and issue subpoenas duces tecum for any education programs administered by schools, districts, cooperatives, the Department of Education, or State Board of Education.