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Committee rejects bill that would have required schools to administer statewide student prevention survey
Summary
The committee debated House Bill 1755 to require public schools to administer the Arkansas Prevention Needs Assessment beginning in the 2025–26 school year; supporters said the survey drives federal grant funding, opponents argued it reduces local control. The committee voted down a motion to give the bill a do‑pass recommendation.
The House Education Committee considered a bill to require all public schools to administer the Arkansas Prevention Needs Assessment (APNA) to sixth, eighth, tenth and twelfth graders beginning in the 2025–26 school year.
Sponsor Representative Tara Shepherd told the committee the bill would make the survey mandatory for public schools, direct the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health in the Department of Human Services to provide technical assistance, require written parent notice with an opt‑out option, and direct results to state legislative…
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