SB64 Summary

• Updates terminology throughout Arkansas education code by replacing "parental involvement" with "parent and family engagement" in multiple sections governing school district policies and teacher education programs.

• Removes or updates outdated statutory references by replacing "Commissioner of Education" with "Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education" across numerous sections of the education code.

• Repeals obsolete provisions including Arkansas Code § 6-15-101 (academic standards definition), § 6-17-119 (alternative pay program definitions), § 6-20-415 (consultants), and § 6-20-416 (desegregation funding), as well as § 6-24-102(5) (outdated "Commissioner" definition).

• Modernizes language in education statutes by updating references to assessment standards, replacing "benchmark exams" with "statewide student assessments," and clarifying requirements for automated external defibrillators and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training using current American Heart Association guidelines.

• Makes technical amendments to improve clarity and consistency, including changes to home schooling notice requirements, school attendance provisions, student discipline procedures, and school financing and budget approval processes.