(a) The General Assembly hereby finds and determines that the clothes and footwear worn by students in the public schools often preoccupy and distract students from their major purpose for being in school: that of becoming educated in math, science, English, history, and other subjects. The General Assembly further finds that student competition over clothes and footwear has, in several instances, led to violence and injuries during school hours; whereas, in those Arkansas schools that have adopted school uniforms, disparities in student socioeconomic levels are less obvious and disruptive incidents are less likely to occur.
(b)
(1) The school district board of directors may refer the issue of a dress code to the qualified electors of the district at any annual school election.
(2) If a majority of the qualified electors of the district voting thereon at the election vote for the adoption of a school uniform policy, the school district board of directors shall prescribe appropriate school uniforms and implement the policy.
(3) If a majority of the qualified electors of the district voting thereon at the election vote against the adoption of a school uniform policy, the school district board of directors may refer the question again to the qualified electors of the district only after a minimum period of one (1) year.
(4)
(A) Qualified electors of the district may at any time by petition have the question of implementing a uniform dress code voted upon at the next school election.
(B) The petition shall be signed by not less than five percent (5%) of the qualified electors in the district.
(c) Any school uniform policy adopted by a school district shall provide for individual students to make application to opt out of the uniform requirements with parental consent when no other reasonable alternative placement for the student exists.
(d) Any school district that has adopted and implemented a district policy to require a uniform dress code before the 2000 annual school election shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.
(e)
(1) This section does not limit the ability of a school district or a particular school within a district to adopt and implement a school uniform policy.
(2) A school district may implement a school uniform policy without submitting the issue to the electors of the district.
(f) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and education service cooperatives shall, when possible, assist public schools by providing information regarding uniform dress codes upon request from public school administrators.