AN ACT TO AMEND THE USE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDING THAT EXCEEDS THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT AWARDED TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS UNDER THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING ACT OF 2003.

House Bill 1874 modifies how specific professional development funding is used for public school teachers in Arkansas. It reallocates funding that exceeds the standard maximum amount awarded to individual schools, which is an additional $16.5 million. This excess funding, previously designated for general professional learning communities, will now be used by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to implement the LEARNS Act. The Division can distribute these funds through grants to eligible entities. This change directs a portion of professional development resources towards statewide educational initiatives outlined in the LEARNS Act.