Private school students in Arkansas may soon gain new opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities at their local public schools, thanks to the introduction of Senate Bill 303. This proposed legislation aims to allow students enrolled in private schools to join interscholastic activities, such as sports and fine arts, at their resident public school if their private institution does not offer those programs.

The bill builds on a previous law that permitted homeschooled students to engage in similar activities. Representative Torres highlighted that the motivation for this legislation stems from the need to support students who may be transitioning from homeschooling to private schooling, particularly those who previously participated in band, choir, or sports through homeschool cooperatives. With the new law, these students would still have access to such programs, ensuring they do not miss out on valuable extracurricular experiences.

Key provisions of the bill stipulate that private school students must reside in the same district as the public school they wish to attend for activities. Additionally, the public school has the discretion to accept or deny the student’s participation. If the activity occurs outside regular class hours, the student must enroll in a non-academic class at the public school, allowing the school to receive partial state funding for that student.

Senator Deese emphasized that the bill is designed to have a minimal impact, potentially affecting only a small number of students—estimated at around five per school district. The legislation is seen as a way to enhance opportunities for private school students while also providing public schools with additional funding and a chance to attract these students as full-time enrollees.

The committee discussed various aspects of the bill, including the implications for insurance coverage and the fiscal impact on public schools. The funding mechanism would allow state dollars to follow the student, ensuring that public schools receive financial support for accommodating these students.

As the bill progresses, it is expected to generate further discussions among educators, parents, and school administrators about its potential benefits and challenges. The committee plans to continue gathering feedback and will hold a vote on the bill at the end of the session, marking a significant step in expanding extracurricular access for Arkansas students.