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Committee advances a package of education bills on swimming safety, breastfeeding accommodations, preschool and transfers
Summary
The Education Committee advanced several noncontroversial or technical bills by voice vote, including measures on swimming‑safety outreach, breast‑pump accommodations, a preschool enrollment clarification, and a student 'right to stay' transfer protection.
In addition to the longer debates on classified pay and restroom policy, the Senate Education Committee advanced a set of bills that drew limited debate or no opposition on the floor. Highlights:
- House Bill 1157: A voluntary, informational measure asking districts to provide parents with water-safety and community swimming-lesson resources at the end of the school year. Sponsor said drowning is a leading cause of unintentional child death; the committee approved the bill by voice vote.
- House Bill 1161: Requires schools to make available a private room (not a restroom) to express breast milk, access to power and a place to clean pump equipment. Sponsors said UAMS supported a clarifying amendment; the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill as amended.
- House Bill 1185: Clarifying amendment about preschool caps and nonresident-district cooperative preschool arrangements; sponsors said the amendment is technical and the committee adopted it and passed the bill.
- Senate Bill 232: A 'right to stay' provision allowing students to remain at their current school under certain family moves or disruptions; sponsor said the bill addresses stability for students and the committee approved it by voice vote.
The committee recorded voice votes on these items; no roll-call tallies were provided in the transcript. Several sponsors noted departmental cooperation (Department of Education and UAMS) and described the bills as nonpunitive or technical.
