AR HB1268

Appropriates $350,000,000 for teacher raises of $10,000 per full-time equivalent teacher in Arkansas public schools for fiscal year 2023-2024.

Appropriates $30,000,000 for an Educator Compensation Reform Program to assist school districts in ensuring all full-time equivalent educators receive a minimum annual salary of $50,000 by June 30, 2024.

Expands the definition of "teacher" to include curriculum specialists, instructional facilitators, and other full-time licensed school employees not in administrator or director-level roles, in addition to classroom teachers, guidance counselors, and librarians.

Updates the minimum teacher salary schedule for 2023-2024 school year, establishing minimum salaries of $50,000 for BA degree holders and $54,650 for MA degree holders at the 0 years of experience level, with increases for additional years of experience.

Declares the act effective July 1, 2023, with emergency clause provisions due to constitutional restrictions on multi-year appropriations and the essential need for immediate implementation.