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HB 1493

AN ACT FOR THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT APPROPRIATION.

2025 Regular Session

Arkansas appropriates capital improvement funds to higher education institutions through Act 298, passed with emergency status in March 2025.

Notification that HB1493 is now Act 298
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Bill Summary · HB 1493

Legislative bill overview

HB 1493 is an Arkansas appropriations bill that allocates capital improvement funding to the state's institutions of higher education. The bill was passed with an emergency clause, indicating legislators deemed it urgent, and was signed into law as Act 298 in March 2025.

Why is this important

Capital improvement appropriations directly fund physical infrastructure projects at colleges and universities—such as building renovations, facility expansions, and technology upgrades—which affect student learning environments and institutional competitiveness. These investments influence both the quality of higher education and the state's economic development through workforce preparation.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding allocation transparency: Without the specific dollar amounts and distribution formula, it's unclear whether all institutions received equitable support or if larger universities received disproportionate shares
  • Emergency clause justification: The adoption of an emergency clause suggests urgency, but the public rationale for bypassing normal legislative timelines isn't apparent from available information
  • Competing budget priorities: Capital projects for higher education may compete with funding for K-12 schools, healthcare, or other state needs during budget constraints

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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