(a) It is the intent of the General Assembly that funds set aside for school safety grants be disbursed by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to public school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and other educational entities, to aid in:

1. (1) Implementing the recommendations of the Arkansas School Safety Commission as set forth in the 2018 and 2022 Final Reports; and
2. (2) Providing a safe school environment for students and staff.

(b) Any funds allocated by the General Assembly for school safety grants or otherwise provided through a grant to a public school district, open-enrollment charter school, or educational entity, by the division for the purpose of school safety shall be disbursed:

1. (1) Pursuant to the process and eligibility requirements established by the division; and
2. (2) In accordance with applicable state and federal laws and rules.

(c) The process for disbursement and eligibility requirements established shall adhere to the following:

1. (1) Funding should be made available to each public school district, open-enrollment charter school, and private school with at least fifty (50) students;
2. (2) The amount of funding available to each public school district, open-enrollment charter school, and private school, shall be based, at least in part, on student enrollment, taking into consideration the varying sizes of districts and schools;
3. (3) All funds shall be provided on a reimbursement basis for eligible expenses incurred during the fiscal year in which the funds are made available; and

4. (4)

   1. (A) Eligible expenses shall include the purchase of materials, equipment, or services to:

(i) Meet the recommendations of the Arkansas School Safety Commission; or

1. (ii) Enhance existing safety measures that meet the recommendations of the Arkansas School Safety Commission.

   1. (B) The division shall prioritize, by category, level, or similarity, all recommendations of the Arkansas School Safety Commission that should be completed by a:

      1. (i) Public school district;
      2. (ii) Open-enrollment charter school; or
      3. (iii) Educational entity.
   2. (C) Expenses for a safety measure not included in the recommendations of the Arkansas School Safety Commission shall only be eligible for reimbursement upon approval from the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.

2. (5) The superintendent, as defined in this part, must provide written assurance that higher priority recommendations are complete, or in process to be completed, before receiving funds for subsequent priority recommendations or safety measures not included in the recommendations of the Arkansas School Safety Commission.

   1. (d) Subject to appropriations, any funds set aside by the General Assembly for school safety grants shall follow the procedure for eligibility and disbursement:
3. (1) As set out in subsection (c) of this section; and
4. (2) In accordance with applicable state and federal law, rules, and regulations.