TO REQUIRE EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ARKANSAS PREVENTION NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY.

HB 1755 mandates that all public schools in Arkansas administer the Arkansas Prevention Needs Assessment Survey annually, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. This survey, targeting students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12, aims to gather data on issues such as substance use, mental health, and violence to help schools and communities improve student well-being. The Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health will maintain the survey and provide technical assistance to schools. Parents and legal guardians must be notified before the survey is administered and have the option to opt their child out. The requirement for schools to administer the survey is contingent on the availability of federal funding.