Senate Passes Measures to Support Students, Expand Child Care Access

The Senate has voted in favor of two significant measures aimed at improving student welfare and education. First, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 59, which will provide all public school students with free breakfast starting in the 2025-2026 school year, regardless of their family’s income. The initiative is supported by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and is co-sponsored by 25 bipartisan senators. The estimated cost of this program is $14.7 million annually. Advocates argue that access to a nutritious breakfast helps improve students’ academic performance, particularly in standardized tests and math.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill 142, which will require school districts to adopt policies restricting cell phone use during school hours. The aim is to reduce distractions and improve the mental and emotional health of students. While there were some dissenting voices, especially from those advocating for similar restrictions in private schools, the bill passed with overwhelming support. Students with individualized education programs (IEPs) would be exempt from this restriction.

In addition to these measures, the state Education Department has expanded a child care program, adding 2,600 children to help low-income families access affordable child care. This program is now at full capacity, assisting approximately 18,300 children, with $100 million in federal grants available each year.

Both SB 59 and SB 142 have now moved to the House of Representatives, where they are expected to pass, further solidifying their impact on student well-being.