AR HB1975

School districts with 10% or greater minority population must elect board members using single-member zones (5, 7, or 9 zones) or 5 zones plus 2 at-large positions, in compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965.

School boards must adopt a resolution 120 days before elections in the second year after the decennial census selecting their zone structure, and file zone plans with county election commissioners 90 days before the filing deadline.

Zones must have substantially equal population based on federal census data and include documentation showing population by race in each zone; candidates for single-member zones must be qualified electors and residents of their zone.

School districts previously determined to have 10% or greater minority population must review and redraw existing zones every decade to maintain substantially equal population based on the most recent census.

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall withhold 20% of annual state funds from school districts not in compliance with these requirements; the bill declares an emergency and takes effect upon Governor approval.