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Bill Summary · SB 417

Summary of SB 417: Amendments to Higher Education Laws

Bill Number: SB 417
Title: To Amend Various Laws Related to Higher Education
Status: Now Act 402
Introduced: March 10, 2025
Sponsor: Senator J. Dotson, Representative Maddox

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 417 aims to amend several existing laws related to higher education in Arkansas. The primary intent of the bill is to streamline reporting requirements and eliminate certain mandates, specifically regarding affirmative action programs at institutions of higher education. The changes were requested by educational institutions and are designed to reduce administrative burdens without incurring any fiscal impact.

Key Provisions

The bill includes the following significant amendments and repeals:

  1. Repeal of Affirmative Action Program Requirements:

    • The requirement for institutions to include affirmative action program summaries in the Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report has been repealed.
    • This includes the removal of specific reporting on affirmative action plans and minority retention plans.

  2. Changes to Reporting Requirements:

    • Amendments to the contents of the Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report, which will now focus on financial conditions and economic development goals without the previous affirmative action components.
    • Institutions must report on graduates requiring postsecondary remediation by October 1 each year, detailing costs and expenditures related to remediation.

  3. Duplication of Services:

    • The requirement for institutions located within a 25-mile radius of each other to enter into agreements to address duplication of services has been repealed.

  4. Construction Project Exemptions:

    • Certain state-supported institutions will be exempt from specific procurement laws for construction projects exceeding $5 million, provided they comply with state policies.

  5. Review of Transfer and Lease Agreements:

    • The Building Authority Division will have streamlined authority over the review of transfer and lease agreements, exempting them from various procurement laws.

Affected Entities

The bill primarily affects state-supported institutions of higher education in Arkansas, including universities and community colleges. By repealing certain requirements, the bill aims to reduce administrative burdens on these institutions.

Fiscal Impact

According to the Fiscal Impact Statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, the bill is expected to have no fiscal impact on state funds. The changes are administrative in nature and were made at the request of educational institutions.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 10, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 13, 2025: Passed in the Senate and transmitted to the House.
  • March 20, 2025: Passed in the House and ordered enrolled.
  • March 31, 2025: Notification that SB 417 is now Act 402.

Conclusion

SB 417 represents a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for higher education in Arkansas by simplifying reporting requirements and removing certain mandates. The bill is designed to enhance operational efficiency within educational institutions while maintaining a focus on accountability in financial reporting and educational outcomes.

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

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