AR SB809

Repeals Arkansas Code § 6-18-206 (Arkansas Public School Choice Act of 1989) which allowed students to transfer to nonresident school districts, citing constitutional concerns from federal court findings.

Creates new Arkansas Code § 6-18-231 (Public School Choice Act of 2013) to establish a replacement public school choice program allowing students to transfer to nonresident districts, subject to restrictions including conflicts with enforceable judicial decrees or court orders remedying past racial segregation.

Transfers must be applied for by July 1 each year, with nonresident districts required to notify parents within 30 days of acceptance or rejection; students may accept only one transfer per school year and cannot return to resident district mid-year.

Requires school districts to adopt specific standards for accepting or rejecting transfer applications based on program capacity, with priority given to siblings of current choice students; prohibits standards based on prior academic achievement, athletics, disability, English proficiency, or disciplinary records.

Declares an emergency to resolve legal uncertainty about existing student transfers before the 2013-2014 school year, with the act taking effect upon gubernatorial approval.