WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1512

TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS ACCESS ACT; AND TO AMEND VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE AS THEY RELATE TO EDUCATION IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Achor and 26 co-sponsors

The Arkansas Access Act boosts educational access by creating new scholarships and enhancing existing ones, benefiting high school and college students statewide.

Notification that HB1512 is now Act 341
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1512

Summary of HB 1512: The Arkansas Access Act

Overview

Bill Number: HB 1512
Title: To Create the Arkansas Access Act; and to Amend Various Provisions of the Arkansas Code as They Relate to Education in the State of Arkansas
Status: Now Act 341
Introduced: February 17, 2025
Sponsors: Rep. Shepherd; Sen. Dismang

The Arkansas Access Act aims to enhance educational access and opportunities for students in Arkansas by amending various provisions related to higher education and scholarship funding.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of HB 1512 is to improve educational access and affordability for Arkansas students, particularly through the establishment of new scholarship programs and the revision of existing ones. The bill seeks to align educational standards with workforce needs and enhance the overall quality of education in the state.

Key Provisions

  1. Creation of the ACCESS to Acceleration Program:

    • Introduces a new scholarship program providing up to $2,000 per year for concurrent credit students, allowing them to earn college credits while still in high school.

  2. Amendments to Existing Scholarships:

    • Academic Challenge Scholarship: Increases the freshman award from $1,000 to $2,000, costing an estimated $8.72 million annually.
    • Governor’s Scholar Program: Expands eligibility to high school students graduating with an associate degree or diploma of distinction, costing an additional $5 million per year.
    • Workforce Challenge Scholarship: Adjusts award levels and eligibility criteria, projected to impact funding by approximately $9.06 million annually.
    • Repeal of Concurrent Challenge Scholarship: Expected to save $3.88 million per year.

  3. Establishment of a Common Course Numbering System:

    • Aims to facilitate transferability of courses between institutions, with estimated development costs of $250,000.

  4. Consolidation of Scholarships:

    • Merges the Military Dependent and Law Enforcement Officer Dependent scholarships into a single Arkansas Heroes Scholarship.

  5. Changes to Funding Formulas:

    • Introduces a non-credit funding formula and modifies the productivity funding formula to include a return on investment metric.

Fiscal Impact

The total estimated fiscal impact of the Arkansas Access Act is approximately $22.66 million in lottery net proceeds. This includes costs associated with new scholarship programs and adjustments to existing ones, as well as potential savings from the repeal of certain scholarships.

Affected Parties

  • Students: High school and college students in Arkansas will benefit from increased scholarship opportunities and financial support.
  • Educational Institutions: Colleges and universities will need to adapt to new funding structures and scholarship criteria.
  • State Agencies: The Arkansas Department of Education and other state agencies will be involved in implementing the new provisions and managing the scholarship programs.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 17, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • March 6, 2025: Amendments adopted; bill engrossed.
  • March 12, 2025: Further amendments adopted; bill passed.
  • March 18, 2025: Bill transmitted to the Governor's Office and enacted as Act 341.

Conclusion

HB 1512, now Act 341, represents a significant step towards improving educational access and affordability in Arkansas. By creating new scholarship opportunities and amending existing programs, the Arkansas Access Act aims to better prepare students for postsecondary education and the workforce.

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

Sign in to ask a question.