TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF TITLE 6 AND TITLE 19 OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING PROVISIONAL POSITIONS AND MOTOR VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS FOR STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Carr and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1697 boosts staffing limits at Arkansas colleges, allowing 1,000 more positions and increasing vehicle fleets, enhancing operational efficiency for education.

Notification that HB1697 is now Act 477

Summary of HB 1697: Provisional Positions and Motor Vehicle Restrictions for Higher Education

Bill Number: HB 1697
Title: To Amend Provisions of Title 6 and Title 19 of the Arkansas Code Concerning Provisional Positions and Motor Vehicle Restrictions for State-Supported Institutions of Higher Education; and to Declare an Emergency.
Status: Now Act 477
Introduced: March 06, 2025
Sponsors: Rep. Joey Carr; Sen. J. Dotson

Purpose and Intent

HB 1697 aims to update regulations regarding provisional positions and motor vehicle restrictions at state-supported institutions of higher education in Arkansas. The bill seeks to enhance operational efficiency by allowing institutions to increase their staffing and vehicle fleets in anticipation of the upcoming fiscal year.

Key Provisions

Provisional Positions:

The bill amends the maximum number of provisional positions allowed at various state-supported institutions. Notable changes include:
- Arkansas State University-Jonesboro: Increase from 375 to 425 positions.
- Northwest Arkansas Community College: Increase from 80 to 100 positions.
- University of Arkansas at Fayetteville: Increase from 750 to 1,000 positions.
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff: Increase from 150 to 200 positions.

Motor Vehicle Restrictions:

The bill modifies motor vehicle restrictions for several institutions, allowing for an increase in the number of authorized vehicles. Specific institutions affected include:
- Black River Technical College
- Northwest Arkansas Community College
- University of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain
- Southern Arkansas University - Magnolia
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences: Increase from 110 to 120 vehicles.

Emergency Clause:

An emergency clause is included, allowing the provisions of the bill to take effect immediately upon passage, with a formal effective date of July 1, 2025. This is justified by the need for timely implementation ahead of the new fiscal year and the disbursement of federal and foundation grants.

Impact

Affected Entities: The bill directly impacts state-supported institutions of higher education in Arkansas, enabling them to expand their workforce and vehicle fleets to better serve their educational missions.

Fiscal Impact: The Arkansas Department of Education has indicated that the changes will not have a fiscal impact, as they are based on requests from the institutions themselves.

Legislative Timeline

March 6, 2025: Bill filed.

March 19, 2025: Passed by the House and sent to the Senate.

April 1, 2025: Passed by the Senate; emergency clause adopted.

April 8, 2025: Notification that HB 1697 is now Act 477.

This summary provides a concise overview of HB 1697, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the expected impact on higher education institutions in Arkansas.