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ArkansasHB10052026 Fiscal SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

Sponsored By: Joint Budget Committee

Enacted

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Funding for elementary and secondary school grants

For fiscal year 2026–2027, Arkansas provides about $1.182 billion for elementary and secondary education entitlement grant programs. The law also provides $1.9 million for multiple education grant awards. The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education manages this funding. These provisions do not set household eligibility rules or individual award amounts.

Free breakfasts for more public school students

Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, Arkansas public schools must provide one free breakfast each school day upon request. This covers students who are not qualifying students under Arkansas Code § 6-18-722 and do not already receive free breakfasts. The cost per breakfast cannot exceed the federal free-breakfast reimbursement rate. After transfers for reduced-price meal copayments and the Summer EBT state match, the remaining Food Insecurity Fund balance supports these breakfasts. The Treasurer transfers that money to an Agriculture Department account, where unused money carries forward for the same purpose.

Education Department funding for Medicaid reimbursements

For fiscal year 2026–2027, Arkansas provides about $13.66 million for Education Department Medicaid refunds and reimbursements. It also provides $10,500 for administration, bringing total funding to about $13.67 million. This appropriation does not create new household eligibility rules or set payments to individual families.

Grant funding for alternative teacher certification

For fiscal year 2026–2027, Arkansas provides $827,925 for grants and aid through its Alternative Certification Program. The funding supports alternative teacher certification. This provision does not set individual award amounts.

Loan funding for districts and charter schools

For fiscal year 2026–2027, the law provides $13 million for school district loans and $10 million for open-enrollment public charter school loans. The loans come through Arkansas's Education Revolving Loan Certificates Fund. This provision does not set loan terms or provide payments to families.

Out-of-school grants come with strict provider rules

From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, Arkansas provides $3.9 million for qualifying out-of-school programs serving school-aged children. Programs must run at least 12 hours weekly on at least four days during the school year, excluding school breaks. They must offer regular, evidence-based learning aligned with state standards, plus activities in at least two areas: STEM, tutoring or academic support, goal setting or leadership, career or workforce preparation, and community service. Providers must collect participant demographics, attendance, and program data for statewide totals, check employee backgrounds, and follow safety and child-abuse reporting rules. Applicants must be qualified 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofits with over five years of operation, responsible money management, and a sustainability plan drawing at least 50% of funding from non-state sources.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joint Budget Committee

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 117 • No: 6

Senate vote • 4/28/2026

Senate Vote - Tuesday, April 28, 2026 2:28:51 PM

Yes: 28 • No: 2 • Other: 5

House vote • 4/27/2026

House Vote - Monday, April 27, 2026 3:26:26 PM

Yes: 89 • No: 4 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Notification that HB1005 is now Act 156

    5/1/2026House

  2. Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's Office.

    4/28/2026House

  3. TO BE ENROLLED

    4/28/2026House

  4. Returned from the Senate as passed.

    4/28/2026House

  5. Returned to the House as passed.

    4/28/2026Senate

  6. EMERGENCY CLAUSE ADOPTED

    4/28/2026Senate

  7. Read the third time and passed.

    4/28/2026Senate

  8. Read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and placed on the calendar.

    4/27/2026Senate

  9. Received from the House.

    4/27/2026Senate

  10. EMERGENCY CLAUSE ADOPTED

    4/27/2026House

  11. Read the third time and passed and ordered transmitted to the Senate.

    4/27/2026House

  12. Returned by the Committee Do Pass

    4/23/2026House

  13. REPORTED CORRECTLY ENGROSSED

    4/22/2026House

  14. Amendment No. 1 read and adopted and the bill ordered engrossed.

    4/22/2026House

  15. Placed on second reading for the purpose of amendment.

    4/22/2026House

  16. Read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and referred to the Committee on JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

    4/8/2026House

  17. Filed

    4/1/2026House

Bill Text

  • HB1005 - Introduced

    4/1/2026

    PDF

  • Act Version

    PDF

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