SB 503 Summary

• Removes the requirement that students qualify as disabled under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to receive state-funded education during out-of-state residential or inpatient facility placement.

• Replaces IDEA qualification with a physician certification requirement that the out-of-state placement is medically necessary and the most appropriate placement available.

• Adds a new geographic restriction requiring the residential or inpatient facility to be located within a state that borders Arkansas.

• Maintains existing requirements that the Department of Education must authorize public payment for educational costs and approve the facility's educational program prior to placement.

• Allows Arkansas students and families to seek care and treatment at the closest and most appropriate facility while ensuring the state covers education costs on the same basis as in-state placements.