SB518 Summary

• Amends Arkansas Code §§ 6-41-102 and 6-41-103 to clarify that school districts shall establish extended year programs for school-age children with disabilities beyond the normal school year in accordance with each student's individualized education program.

• Changes the definition of "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability" in § 6-41-203(1) to align with updated terminology for children with disabilities.

• Adds new definition of "free appropriate public education" in § 6-41-203(4) requiring services provided at public expense, meeting Department of Education and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act standards, and conforming to individualized education programs as of January 1, 2017.

• Repeals Arkansas Code §§ 6-41-219, 6-41-301 through 6-41-307, and 6-41-309 through 6-41-310, which addressed private school evaluations and established a separate special education funding and oversight structure for exceptional children.

• Modifies § 6-41-312 to require public school districts and entities receiving state or federal funds to provide special education programming to maintain accurate accounts and report expenditures to the Department of Education.