Rule Governing the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program, 6 CAR pt. 35

The Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, proposes amendments to its Rule Governing the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program. PURPOSE The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education is updating the Rule Governing the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program to reflect changes made by Act 920 of 2025 and to implement policy updates based on the initial year of full operation of the program.

Two public hearings were held on December 2, 2025, during the first public comment period. That public comment period expired December 16, 2025. Two public hearings were also held on March 30, 2026, during the second public comment period. That period expired April 7, 2026. The agency has provided a PERIOD 1 CHANGES The following changes were made to the proposed amendment following the review of public comments received by the Division: -Several non-substantive changes were made to correct punctuation, to correct errors in numbering within the rule, more closely aligning rule language to statutory language, and to make word usage throughout the rule more uniform. -A clearly defined process was included to ensure consistent application of the rules regarding whether an expense is eligible to be paid under the EFA program. -Provisions were added providing that reimbursement of core educational expenses are not required to be pre-approved; however, other expenses do require preapproval. -Program participants are not required to obtain preapproval when utilizing payment methods which do not require financial disbursement directly to the program participant. -Competitive sports are per

• Rule packet: B.2.a. DOE DESE Rule Governing the Arkansas Childrens Educational Freedom Account Program and Act 920 of 2025
• Public comments: B.2.a.PC DOE DESE PC Summary for Rule Governing the Arkansas Childrens Educational Freedom Account Program
• ALC summary agenda Jun 15, 2026
• ALC agenda Jun 15, 2026
• ALC meeting video Jun 15, 2026
• Arkansas Register, July 2026