Mountain Home School District has started installing audio recording devices in locker rooms and changing rooms as part of the requirements of Eli’s Law, according to Athletic Director Mitch Huskey. The measure is designed to ensure the safety of students and applies to public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools across Arkansas.
Under the law, audio recording devices are required in these designated spaces beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. To comply, the district has also placed signs in areas where devices are installed to inform individuals of their presence. Changing rooms may be reclassified as needed, but updated signage will always reflect the current designations. Restrooms are not included in the law and will not contain recording devices.
Recordings captured by these devices are not subject to general Freedom of Information (FOI) or public records requests. Access is restricted to school administrators or a parent, legal guardian, or other individual acting in guardianship who requests the material in relation to an allegation of wrongdoing. In such cases, the audio recordings may serve as evidence to address the reported incident.
Eli’s Law mandates implementation across all public school properties in Arkansas, requiring schools to post notices prominently within locker room and changing room facilities. The law aims to enhance security and accountability while respecting privacy through controlled access to recordings. Officials say the initiative is designed to provide additional protection for students within educational environments.