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SB 618

LIQUOR-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Cristina Castro and 8 co-sponsors

SB 618 enhances student rights in Arkansas higher education by ensuring access to legal representation and reducing appeal time from 25 to 7 days for disciplinary actions.

Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0451
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Bill Summary · SB 618

Summary of SB 618 - Amendment to the Arkansas Student Due Process and Protection Act

Overview

Bill Number: SB 618
Title: To Amend the Arkansas Student Due Process and Protection Act
Status: Now Act 731
Introduced: April 03, 2025
Sponsors: Senator Irvin; Representative B. McKenzie

The purpose of SB 618 is to enhance the rights of students in higher education during investigations and disciplinary proceedings by amending existing provisions of the Arkansas Student Due Process and Protection Act.

Key Provisions

  1. Right to Legal Representation:

    • The bill mandates that institutions of higher education must inform students who are under investigation or facing disciplinary actions of their right to seek representation by an attorney. This provision aims to ensure that students are aware of their legal rights and can adequately defend themselves during proceedings.

  2. Appeal Timeframe Reduction:

    • The timeframe for students to file an appeal after receiving a final decision from the institution is reduced from 25 days to 7 days. This change is intended to expedite the appeals process, allowing for quicker resolutions to disputes.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The primary beneficiaries of this bill are students enrolled in Arkansas institutions of higher education, who will gain clearer access to legal representation and a more efficient appeals process.
    • Educational institutions will need to adjust their procedures to comply with the new requirements regarding student notifications and appeal timelines.

  • Fiscal Impact:

    • According to the Fiscal Impact Statement, there is no anticipated revenue impact or negative financial consequences for institutions as a result of these changes. The Arkansas Department of Education has indicated that the amendments will not impose additional costs.

Legislative Timeline

  • April 03, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • April 07, 2025: Returned by the Committee with a recommendation to pass.
  • April 08, 2025: Read a third time, passed in the Senate, and ordered transmitted to the House.
  • April 09, 2025: Received from the Senate and referred to the House Education Committee.
  • April 10, 2025: Returned by the Committee with a recommendation to pass.
  • April 15, 2025: Passed by the House and returned to the Senate.
  • April 18, 2025: Notification that SB 618 is now Act 731.

Conclusion

SB 618 represents a significant step in enhancing student rights within the Arkansas higher education system. By ensuring students are informed of their right to legal representation and streamlining the appeals process, the legislation aims to foster a fairer and more transparent disciplinary environment.

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

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