A bill aiming to change the way voucher money for homeschool families is spent received a mixed reception at the Arkansas Capitol this week. Sponsored by Sen. Breanne Davis, the bill would require homeschool families to put the state funding toward academics rather than extracurriculars. Data from the current school year showed that most of the voucher money went towards non-educational expenses. In response, the bill seeks to cap spending on transportation and extracurriculars to ensure more funds go towards educational items. However, some lawmakers, including Sen. Jim Dotson, expressed frustration with the restrictions, arguing it goes against the principles of education choice and freedom. Despite initial opposition in a committee meeting, the full Senate ultimately passed the bill, which will now move to the House side for further debate. The bill’s sponsor hopes to make necessary tweaks to the existing voucher program before it expands to include all students in the state in the 2025-26 school year. The vote record in the Senate showed a divided response to the bill, indicating ongoing debate on the issue as the legislative session comes to a close on April 16.
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