[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6300184,"mediaKeyId","2493593-d0a4828d44171e5738a2cd2213b7ef32","parentId",2493593,"title","House Education Committee OKs bill adding CPR training to student-athlete safety law","audioSeconds",391,"startMs",41000,"endMs",432000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493593-d0a4828d44171e5738a2cd2213b7ef32&start=41&end=432","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493593-d0a4828d44171e5738a2cd2213b7ef32/thumbnail_41000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6300184/Arkansas/House-Education-Committee-OKs-bill-adding-CPR-training-to-student-athlete-safety-law","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300184-c2a46c213210d5258c8b2ba6068a03cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1773741852&Signature=A5aV6VC~PhYl5-83NNOzKVql4qg8yY~bpzBKTMPvdDRfKkHdwlhqV~a7c66ei6QYRZXexyiJbJZv8e6Az2U2RBScMWf3PBgRy~yUE19epUVdGw9afpKdl1eo-xzbUED80lEy2Q7H0YSzqPSRHDhsvofKOQvePe7eAewGra0LOROApfjcAlRkmdQulu5a7KZRHPABUogm~UDRZiDufIqiAW0w91Yx66fEvNW60Q7nSHtvTl1ilsIv488KFc1SbGDS~52petc6gQbGewKuqvKQuGoVNMv6QvNryHBTIvvF48fb9xKfvh6RyDM3g3C9z8y0D89L4LGW7DZmn04bllWU2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Arkansas Legislature","date","2025-03-04T00:00:00Z","article","The House Education Committee voted to pass SB 226 on a voice vote after hearing sponsors say the measure would add a cardiopulmonary resuscitation component to Arkansas’s 2017 sudden cardiac arrest prevention law to bolster student-athlete safety.

Senator Greg Letting, presenting the bill, said the 2017 law left out a cardiac-arrest component and that updating it to require CPR training for people supervising athletics would help protect student athletes. “The fiscal note shows there’d be no cost associated with the legislation,” Letting said during his presentation.

Vice Chair Fred McKenzie, a cosponsor, described the bill as a targeted step to build capacity among school staff and coaches and said it was intended to be integrated into existing professional-development requirements rather than create a separate statewide mandate. Representative Duke and other committee members asked about how the CPR training would count toward required professional-development hours; Letting and McKenzie said the requirement would fold into existing training so schools could schedule it as part of their PD offerings.

Committee members also clarified who the requirement would cover. Letting pointed to the bill language stating it applies to athletic coaches, licensed teacher-coaches, registered volunteers and competitive and noncompetitive spirit coaches.

No one signed up to speak for or against the bill. After closing remarks from the sponsors the committee chair called for the motion to “do pass”; the committee voiced its approval and the bill passed at the committee level.

The committee record shows the Arkansas Activities Association supported adding CPR to the earlier statute and that Jason Cates, athletic director for Cabot Public Schools, had testified in the Senate education committee but was not present for the House hearing.

The committee did not direct additional staff work on SB 226; sponsors said implementation would be handled by local districts integrating the training into existing PD schedules.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Education Committee Mar 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The House Education Committee voted to pass SB 226 to add a CPR requirement to Arkansas’s 2017 sudden cardiac arrest prevention law, targeting coaches, volunteers and spirit coaches who supervise student athletics.","taxTitle","EDUCATION COMMITTEE- HOUSE, House of Representatives, Committees, Legislative, Arkansas","taxId",20617,"location","Arkansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6300174,"Committee advances bill to broaden teacher licensure pathways and reduce state-prescribed PD hours",1410,609000,2019000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493593-d0a4828d44171e5738a2cd2213b7ef32&start=609&end=2019","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493593-d0a4828d44171e5738a2cd2213b7ef32/thumbnail_609000.jpg","/articles/6300174/Arkansas/Committee-advances-bill-to-broaden-teacher-licensure-pathways-and-reduce-state-prescribed-PD-hours","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300174-d4b47131415cc9531effe05b5a39a04a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773741852&Signature=jiJZT4j~KoWmYQeoKzoAk02SHYInZK3mQ57iUWhFrcn9B6nIW2E12H8m5qbOzOZGVq2Ax6L-PapZBIiBmIQKayruF5fu6qHl5uMHISbG-kcBqORJLWgAj6WbHK1-jYhQMFB9HcSvuVB9FRdG-BMmCsV~KE22HjLXzNrV2kvc02~-SbcVzkjItja7MNUMkuFvd2EEE-wFAL3YMdse3T~gic~6RM60HKHWR7ICQ1gUjajShIkDgE03Yqd6kKCWc2K-Syi~sdF6QGg4c-oNbqrI1sPl0X2fSYb-IyN7MyjXm~8oXQcXc2c5RgibXS-nqL6kNmRr4Fh338ckrjCrI~Fdvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Education Committee voted to advance HB 1496, a bill that would revise teacher licensure pathways, reduce the amount of state-prescribed professional development and give school districts greater flexibility in how they use professional-development days.

Representative Wade Andrews introduced the measure and brought Department of Education staff, who described the bill as intended to streamline multiple licensure pathways and reduce burdens that keep experienced, non‑traditionally trained educators in a nonlicensed status. Jacob Alleva of the Department of Education told the committee that roughly half of Arkansas teachers arrive via nontraditional pathways and that the state receives many waiver requests tied to licensure requirements.

Under the proposal sponsors described, the state would reduce the portion of PD it prescribes (from a larger share down to about 8 hours of mandatory statewide PD) and allow districts to determine the rest of the PD schedule. Sponsors said observation, student outcomes and portfolios would be among acceptable ways to demonstrate the competencies needed for a standard license instead of relying exclusively on licensure exams.

Representatives asked whether observation and growth plans would remain part of licensure decisions; Andrews and Department staff said observation and a personalized professional-growth plan would remain options and that districts would work with candidates and the department to design pathways. The sponsor said the change aims to move effective teachers who struggle with standardized tests onto a standard license more quickly and reduce multi‑year nonlicensed cycles.

No one signed up to oppose the bill; after closing remarks the committee voted by voice vote to pass HB 1496.","The House Education Committee voted to pass HB 1496, a bill that broadens alternative pathways to standard teacher licensure, reduces state-prescribed professional-development hours and returns PD flexibility to local districts.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6300169,"Committee rejects bill requiring private schools that accept state funds to provide student transportation",1746,2038000,3784000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493593-d0a4828d44171e5738a2cd2213b7ef32&start=2038&end=3784","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493593-d0a4828d44171e5738a2cd2213b7ef32/thumbnail_2038000.jpg","/articles/6300169/Arkansas/Committee-rejects-bill-requiring-private-schools-that-accept-state-funds-to-provide-student-transportation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300169-3ef88ba9f96c9723907fa004620c9bf6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773741852&Signature=Ng6YqEpnDP21zQGByJ8ANHoxNsWb7FKrzQij0f8U42it0Q7WOmek8WPywk3YxRVyZfXK1H5cwlqBOx58Lzb3r3nrSCDXEDwxi05~p72~grqmZblF7Fce4kGXKARUUTkYKv5RSale7YdbAY55TyVUScGBq0GjHy5C8J~hIuOke99SMuc~HJFFsVTTHAi-qLEGN5oiDdJrl3yJ2WemwgrjgkjdMVhzGCR1dc0mUcxK7FeArrMciY7yMCeVMCv3qCfjrILzoOZvo66~QjrEBMN7otWOHmhuMoVGyYtIanODiJv-LO7J3mZ26fWrM32iJGU3CNzHuPV0nhyoEA5Vd4Mi1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Education Committee voted against HB 1541, a proposal that would have required private schools accepting any state funds to provide transportation for enrolled students.

Representative Jim Wooten presented the bill and framed it as an equity measure intended to ensure students who receive state support and choose private schools would have the same access to transportation services that public-school students typically receive. Wooten cited examples such as homeless students and families with limited means and said transportation should not be a barrier to attendance.

Committee members extensively questioned the bill’s scope, the 35-mile radius referenced in discussion, potential costs for private schools and whether the requirement would apply only to students on Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) or to all students at a private school that accepted any state money. Vice Chair Fred McKenzie (vice chair) clarified from the bill text that the language is broad: “a private school that accepts state funding of any type shall provide transportation.” That means even acceptance of a single EFA student would trigger the requirement for the private school, several members noted.

Tony Rose of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers testified against the bill, saying private schools’ operational models differ from public schools and warning that adding transportation requirements could increase costs for private schools and reduce parental choice. Rose estimated the cost of acquiring older buses at roughly $40,000 each as an example during testimony.

Representative Wooten said the measure sought accountability for schools that accept state funds and argued transportation should be available to students who otherwise could not attend. After discussion and public testimony the committee took no motion to pass and the chair announced Representative Wooten’s bill had failed at the committee stage.","House Education Committee members rejected HB 1541, which would have required private schools that accept state funds to provide transportation to enrolled students.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6300164,"Committee declines to advance bill that would require private schools to use a single statewide test and admit EFA-funded students",1247,3725000,4972000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493593-d0a4828d44171e5738a2cd2213b7ef32&start=3725&end=4972","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493593-d0a4828d44171e5738a2cd2213b7ef32/thumbnail_3725000.jpg","/articles/6300164/Arkansas/Committee-declines-to-advance-bill-that-would-require-private-schools-to-use-a-single-statewide-test-and-admit-EFA-funded-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300164-b243eace2bfdfa9dd7f7f49bb6c3e241/orig.mp4?Expires=1773741852&Signature=d4Py2U1kQYfmTdS993AGsREzAQrx5paHfYG1a7zzVHGQm6rrAWa1NB1VpmyqoScLdsM7mO9~VPRNQOvLQwuhUXzNOgq7JHJjyGSPs4fjJo9NCLqmQ9xrGsu~Sa2f~x84R2oiWafcVHkJZcSGNcR2xRQgrfPzDD6ngqc3Bsd4YDag0s3F8OIi~ogQZALY4uq9jFR9PtAo6nXGL1ueKiVYjV9MohfGq5j7p9w0lY~bQ7ofYGmSvW4j4Co-9C1vXKrh4hZh7rQpimc1zYOLumX5jHqsmQlGHLyStMiZmCErN-iFjt8UElXcri2eSmc5dPf6Sz-adcW41xihYKGGLT6HcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Education Committee considered HB 1542, a proposal that would require private schools to administer an annual statewide student assessment and to admit any student who applies if the student intends to use state funding to attend the private school. After extended questioning and debate the committee did not adopt the bill.

Representative Jim Wooten, who presented the bill, said his concerns stemmed from difficulty parents and policymakers have in comparing private-school academic performance because private schools use a variety of different assessments. “When you use state tests you are comparing apples to apples,” Wooten said, arguing a single assessment would improve accountability for schools receiving public funds.

Committee members and Department of Education staff discussed reporting requirements for assessments administered to students on Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs). ADE staff said results for EFA students are reported to the department, and aggregated data are shared with the legislature when disclosure rules permit; in some cases small counts prevent public reporting. Committee members asked about admission rules proposed in the bill; sponsor language would require private schools that accept state funding to admit any student who applies and intends to use that funding.

Witnesses and committee members pointed to differences in private‑school practices—some schools use a variety of assessments and some have admissions criteria for specialized programs—and questioned whether the bill’s broad admission language would conflict with current practices. After debate the committee took a roll-call vote on the motion and the measure failed.","HB 1542, proposed by Representative Jim Wooten, would have required private schools to administer an annual statewide assessment and to admit any student who applies intending to use state funding; the committee debated reporting, testing heterogeneity across private schools, and admission rules before the motion to pass failed on a roll call.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6300179,"Committee approves bill to make open-enrollment charter teachers eligible for Arkansas Teacher of the Year",171,435000,606000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493593-d0a4828d44171e5738a2cd2213b7ef32&start=435&end=606","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493593-d0a4828d44171e5738a2cd2213b7ef32/thumbnail_435000.jpg","/articles/6300179/Arkansas/Committee-approves-bill-to-make-open-enrollment-charter-teachers-eligible-for-Arkansas-Teacher-of-the-Year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300179-d3a0452488b21fb06ff74fddcce5c1de/orig.mp4?Expires=1773741852&Signature=GOWiddFuKzndhj4eD-XL~-N4~C~AwfiT93advYOrqvK9mLC55hXXstt9NUoJacF9dW1JGDLZ8UBs6ILF6c3yDwN5wCjN04QvURKHbpEnGfOwo1HyB5Ry0NaKj0NJvONPFHUYO9mWoGeMB3CKK0mOnhH-HFrrg06FdFYU04ag6kKeP~2wiGSs3FGHo6jvqen-LnjD6izZVyM0n~J4jHufrqKcnRziHL65Lf9el9jeZ-ezlGaw5SiSnmDNicEbIi9OIqLGH7am20y37YTCVW~pqqHmLNSZWygr6T6e0CaLHvVoplZSu~hAqbj~vp1xzC4PSFDSp0w8rLvRhT-kd-GfPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Education Committee voted to pass HB 1477, which adds open-enrollment public charter school teachers to the pool of educators eligible for Arkansas Teacher of the Year.

Representative Sonia Barker, presenting the bill, told the committee the change simply adds “open enrollment public charter school” teachers to the existing eligibility language and removes contradictory phrasing that had reduced finalist slots. “All of our charter schools are not part necessarily of an educational culture so that became contradictory in the language,” Barker said, explaining the amendment ensures charter teachers may apply and be judged on merit.

Representative McGruder asked about language that places a Teacher of the Year on paid administrative leave for the school year following selection. Barker and other sponsors said that practice already exists and that HB 1477 does not alter it. No one signed up to speak for or against the bill.

Representative Barker closed and moved the bill; the committee voted by voice vote and passed HB 1477.","HB 1477 passed the House Education Committee to add open-enrollment public charter school teachers to eligibility for Arkansas Teacher of the Year; sponsors said the bill simply amends eligibility language and does not change the existing paid administrative leave awarded to a winner.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House Education Committee OKs bill adding CPR training to student-athlete safety law

Committee advances bill to broaden teacher licensure pathways and reduce state-prescribed PD hours

Committee rejects bill requiring private schools that accept state funds to provide student transportation

Committee declines to advance bill that would require private schools to use a single statewide test and admit EFA-funded students

Committee approves bill to make open-enrollment charter teachers eligible for Arkansas Teacher of the Year