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Bill

Bill

HB 1990

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING HIGHER EDUCATION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rebecca Burkes and 2 co-sponsors

House Bill 1990 mandates a review of liberal arts programs in Arkansas public colleges to ensure efficient use of funds and assess their job market relevance for students.

Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on EDUCATION COMMITTEE- HOUSE
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Bill Summary · HB 1990

Summary of House Bill 1990

Bill Number: HB 1990
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning Higher Education
Status: Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on Education Committee - House
Introduced: April 3, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1990 aims to enhance the fiscal responsibility and accountability of public institutions of higher education in Arkansas. The bill seeks to ensure that public funds allocated to state-supported institutions are used efficiently and in alignment with the objectives of the Arkansas ACCESS Act.

Key Provisions

  1. Review of Liberal Arts Programs:

    • The bill directs the legislature, in consultation with the Division of Higher Education, to conduct a comprehensive review of the courses included in all liberal arts majors at public institutions.
    • The review will focus on:
      • The applicability of higher education courses within baccalaureate degrees in liberal arts.
      • The necessity of these courses for degree completion.
      • The number of students enrolled in these courses.
      • The impact of liberal arts degrees on job placement and earnings for graduates.

  2. Legislative Intent:

    • The bill emphasizes the importance of utilizing public funds in a manner that promotes fiscal responsibility and aligns with the goals of the Arkansas ACCESS Act.

Impact

  • Affected Entities:

    • Public institutions of higher education in Arkansas will be directly impacted as they will undergo scrutiny regarding their liberal arts programs.
    • Students enrolled in liberal arts programs may experience changes based on the findings of the review, particularly concerning course offerings and degree requirements.

  • Fiscal Considerations:

    • The fiscal impact statement indicates that there will be no immediate revenue impact or additional investment required as the bill only establishes a review process without mandating changes or funding.

Legislative Timeline

  • April 3, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 4, 2025: Read for the first time; rules suspended; read a second time and referred to the Education Committee.
  • April 15, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted; bill reported correctly engrossed.
  • April 16, 2025: Withdrawn by the author and recommended for study in the Interim.

Conclusion

House Bill 1990 represents a legislative effort to ensure that higher education institutions in Arkansas are held accountable for the use of public funds, particularly in the context of liberal arts education. The proposed review aims to assess the relevance and effectiveness of current programs, potentially leading to future reforms in the state's higher education landscape.

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

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