Decision on Arkansas' LEARNS education bill could take 2 weeks

• The Arkansas Supreme Court on June 15 lifted that order but sent the case back to Pulaski County Circuit Court.

The big picture: The issue is whether legislators violated the state Constitution when they voted for the LEARNS Act but did not vote separately for its emergency clause.

• If the judge rules the simultaneous vote was constitutional, the act will go into effect immediately.
• If he rules it was unconstitutional, the act won't take effect until Aug. 1.

The intrigue: Circuit Judge Herbert Wright, who's hearing the case, also issued the temporary order.

What we're watching: Citizens for Arkansas Public Education and Students (CAPES) is seeking a repeal of the LEARNS Act by oreferendum on the November 2024 ballot.

• Attorney General Tim Griffin approved language for the referendum in early June.
• CAPES will need to collect nearly 55,000 signatures by July 31 from registered voters in at least 50 counties — a new law — to make it on the ballot.