ELEC CD-RANKED-CHOICE VOTING

104th Regular Session Introduced by Maura Hirschauer

Act 826 expands tuition benefits for Arkansas National Guard members, allowing them to attend private colleges, enhancing their educational opportunities and support.

Referred to Rules Committee

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1786, now known as Act 826, aims to expand educational opportunities for soldiers and airmen of the Arkansas National Guard by providing them with eligibility for tuition benefits at certain private two-year and four-year colleges and universities. This legislation seeks to enhance the educational support available to service members, thereby promoting their academic and professional development.

Key Provisions

Eligibility for Tuition Benefits: The bill amends Arkansas Code § 6-60-214 to allow soldiers and airmen of the Arkansas National Guard to receive tuition benefits for attending private institutions of higher education.

Benefit Amount: The tuition benefit is capped at an amount equivalent to what the service member would receive if attending a state-supported college or university.

Definition of Eligible Institutions: The bill specifies that eligible private institutions must be nonprofit colleges or universities located in Arkansas and must qualify for Title IV federal student aid funds.

Affected Parties

Soldiers and Airmen: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are members of the Arkansas National Guard who wish to pursue higher education at private institutions.

Private Colleges and Universities: This bill may increase enrollment at eligible private institutions, providing them with additional resources and support from National Guard members.

Fiscal Impact

According to the Fiscal Impact Statement, the implementation of this bill is not expected to increase overall costs to the state. The addition of private institutions to the tuition waiver program will not raise the number of participants but will provide more options for existing students. The costs remain limited to the highest tuition rates at public institutions.

Legislative Timeline

Introduced: March 13, 2025

Passed: The bill was read and passed multiple times in both the House and Senate, with the final passage occurring on April 14, 2025.

Enrolled: The bill was correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office on April 15, 2025.

Act Status: Officially became Act 826 on April 17, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill 1786 represents a significant step in supporting the educational aspirations of Arkansas National Guard members by broadening their access to tuition benefits at private institutions. This legislation not only aids service members in their pursuit of higher education but also strengthens the partnership between the military and educational institutions in Arkansas.

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