Arkansas 2025 Education Reforms: ACCESS Act, Open Enrollment and Phone-Free Schools

Fresh off the momentum of the Arkansas LEARNS Act in 2023, state lawmakers returned in 2025 with a clear priority: keep students at the center of every decision. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva and the state legislature delivered—enacting three marquee education laws that build on its reputation for bold reforms. 

From distraction-free classrooms to expanded intra-school district transfer options and college and career pathways, Arkansas is continuing to shape an education system grounded in innovation, transparency and opportunity. 

Here’s a closer look at Arkansas’s new 2025 education policies. 

Strengthening College & Career Pathways with the Arkansas ACCESS Act 

During her State of the State Address, Arkansas Gov. Sanders introduced Arkansas ACCESS, a landmark initiative that enhances alignment between K-12 education, postsecondary institutions and workforce needs. Sen. Jonathan Dismang and Rep. Matthew Shepherd sponsored the Arkansas ACCESS Act (SB 246), which was signed by Gov. Sanders in March. The law:  

• Simplifies the college application process through a new common application system for Arkansas students. 

• Supports seamless transfer and degree completion by establishing common course numbers, statewide credit transfer agreements and a new reverse transfer policy. 

• Increases postsecondary access by expanding state scholarship programs and award amounts. 

• Expands opportunities and reduces costs for high school students to earn college credit. 

Together, these reforms improve navigation, affordability and readiness across the education continuum—strengthening Arkansas’ future workforce for generations to come.  

Creating Focused Classrooms: “Bell to Bell, No Cell” Act 

Gov. Sanders and legislators took early and bold action to establish distraction-free schools across the state. Sen. Tyler Dees’ “Bell to Bell, No Cell” Act (SB 142) requires Arkansas public schools to implement phone-free learning environments. The policy prohibits student cell phone use throughout the school day, with exceptions for emergencies and medical needs. Schools can use funds available for locking pouches or phone lockers, supporting school districts in implementing distraction-free classrooms. 

This effort builds on a pilot grant program launched by the Arkansas Department of Education in 2024 and reflects growing interest among parents and educators in eliminating distractions caused by personal electronic devices, especially during instructional time.  

By promoting healthier student-to-teacher and peer-to-peer interactions, the law aims to restore classrooms as spaces for academic focus and engagement.  

Expanding Public School Choice 

Thanks to the leadership of Sen. Breanne Davis, Rep. Austin McCollum and others in the Arkansas legislature, Arkansas expanded its public school choice laws to allow greater flexibility for families seeking different options within their home school district. The law (SB 624/HB 1945): 

• Enables students to transfer to other public schools within their own district. 

• Maintains open enrollment across school district boundaries. 

• Requires school districts to publish capacity, acceptance policies and deadlines. 

• Ensures transparency by requiring districts to report approvals and denials to the Department of Education. 

By removing artificial barriers and expanding public school choice, Arkansas is empowering families to find the best public school fit for their child. 

Looking Ahead: 2027 Focus on Higher Ed Performance Funding 

While Arkansas only holds fiscal sessions in even-numbered years, state leaders have already signaled their intent to shift focus toward higher education performance funding in the 2027 regular session. The goal: incentivize public colleges and universities to support student success beyond graduation.  

This forward-thinking approach continues Arkansas’s trajectory with student-centered policies grounded in accountability, transparency and opportunity. 

With a successful 2025 legislative session and planning already underway for future improvement, Arkansas leaders are continuing to prioritize policies that put students first, setting the bar high for the rest of the nation.