To Create Eli's Law; And To Require Each Public School To Install An Audio Recording Device In Each Locker Room And Dressing Room On The Public School Campus.
Summary
HB1866 creates “Eli’s Law” and requires every public school district and open-enrollment public charter school in Arkansas, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, to install an audio recording device in each locker room and changing/dressing room on school property. Schools must also post a conspicuous notice in those rooms informing people that audio recording devices are present. The bill is framed as a student-safety measure and applies to both district schools and open-enrollment charter schools.
The bill also sets rules for retention and access to the recordings. Schools must keep recordings for at least 90 days, may not keep them longer than 12 months unless there is an allegation of wrongdoing for which the recording may serve as evidence, and must post a website notice at least 10 days before destroying recordings. Access is limited to school administrators and to a parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis who presents an allegation of wrongdoing. Schools may use available state funding, including school safety funds, to pay for implementation.
Impact
HB1866 amends Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 21 by adding a new section requiring audio surveillance equipment in locker rooms and changing rooms at public schools and open-enrollment public charter schools. It creates new compliance duties for school districts and charter schools related to installation, signage, recording retention, public notice before destruction, and restricted access to recordings. The bill also authorizes use of state school-safety funding to help cover implementation costs, potentially affecting appropriations and local school operations.
Sentiment
The voting history suggests the bill received meaningful support in both chambers, passing the House 60-12, the Senate 23-5, and then receiving concurrence on a Senate amendment by a 71-21 vote. That pattern indicates broad approval overall, though not unanimous. The available record does not include committee debate transcripts, so the public rationale is reflected mainly in the bill text itself, which emphasizes student safety.
Contention
The main points of contention likely center on privacy, surveillance, and the appropriateness of audio recording in highly sensitive spaces such as locker rooms and dressing rooms. Supporters appear to view the measure as a safety and accountability tool, especially for investigating alleged wrongdoing, while opponents may be concerned about student privacy, the scope of monitoring, and the potential for misuse or chilling effects. The bill’s limited access rules and retention limits appear designed to address some of those concerns, but the recorded votes show there was still notable opposition in both chambers.