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HB 1601

Quantum research tax incentives.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Buchanan and 9 co-sponsors

Act 354 mandates Arkansas state colleges to provide career counseling and resources, ensuring students access guidance for their career paths even post-enrollment.

Signed by the Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 1601

Summary of House Bill 1601 (Act 354)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1601, now enacted as Act 354, aims to enhance the support provided to students at state-supported institutions of higher education in Arkansas by mandating the availability of career counseling and related resources. The bill recognizes the importance of guiding students in their career paths, particularly for those who may consider alternatives to continuing their education.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important provisions:

  1. Career Counseling Requirement:

    • State-supported institutions of higher education are required to provide career counseling and other career-related resources to students.
    • Resources must include information on available career and technical training and employment opportunities in various trade industries.

  2. Website Maintenance:

    • The Arkansas Division of Higher Education will maintain a dedicated webpage that links to career counseling resources available at each state-supported institution.
    • Each institution must also maintain a link to this page on their own website.

  3. Informing Students:

    • Institutions are required to take appropriate steps to inform students about the availability of career counseling and resources, including how to access them.

  4. Post-Enrollment Support:

    • Career counseling services will remain available to students for up to six months after they are no longer enrolled, upon request.

  5. Exemptions:

    • The provisions do not apply to concurrently enrolled students or those who have enrolled at another institution of higher education.

Affected Parties

  • Students: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are students at state-supported institutions who will have improved access to career guidance and resources.
  • Institutions: State-supported colleges and universities will need to implement the requirements set forth in the bill, ensuring they provide the necessary resources and information.

Fiscal Impact

  • The fiscal impact statement indicates that there will be no additional costs associated with maintaining the required webpage, as most institutions already provide these resources. The act is expected to streamline access to career-related information without incurring significant expenses.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 26, 2025
  • Passed: March 18, 2025
  • Enacted: March 20, 2025, as Act 354

This legislation represents a significant step towards enhancing career support for students in Arkansas, ensuring they have the necessary resources to make informed decisions about their futures.

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

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