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HB 1766

TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS RESPOND, INNOVATE, SUCCEED, AND EMPOWER (RISE) ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Breanne Davis and 1 co-sponsor

The Arkansas RISE Act mandates higher education institutions to adopt clear policies for supporting students with disabilities, enhancing their access and success.

Notification that HB1766 is now Act 907
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Bill Summary · HB 1766

Summary of House Bill 1766: Arkansas RISE Act

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1766, known as the Arkansas Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act, aims to enhance support for students with disabilities in higher education institutions across Arkansas. The legislation seeks to ensure that these institutions adopt clear policies and practices that facilitate the inclusion and accommodation of students with disabilities, thereby promoting their academic success and empowerment.

Key Provisions

The RISE Act introduces several important changes to the existing laws regarding higher education and the treatment of students with disabilities:

1. Definitions and Scope

  • Institution of Higher Education: Includes public institutions, tribal colleges, and private institutions receiving federal funding.
  • Student with a Disability: Defined in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and includes students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in transition or postsecondary programs.

2. Policy Requirements

  • Each institution must adopt a policy to evaluate documentation submitted by students claiming disability status. This includes:
    • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
    • Services received under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
    • Documentation of disabilities due to military service

3. Transparency and Communication

  • Institutions are required to disseminate information about their disability policies in plain language to ensure accessibility for all stakeholders, including students, parents, and faculty.
  • Information must be provided during the application process, at orientations, and on institutional websites.

4. Interactive Process for Accommodations

  • Institutions must engage in an interactive process to assess and establish reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.
  • A representative list of reasonable accommodations must be made available, but accommodations will be individualized based on student needs.

5. Non-Reevaluation Clause

  • Students who have previously provided proof of a permanent disability will not be required to undergo reevaluation to receive accommodations.

Impact

The RISE Act is expected to significantly benefit:
- Students with Disabilities: By providing clearer pathways to access accommodations and support services, the act aims to enhance their educational experiences and outcomes.
- Higher Education Institutions: Institutions will need to develop and implement new policies and training for staff to comply with the act's requirements.

Timeline

  • Effective Date: The provisions of the RISE Act will take effect on January 1, 2026.
  • Legislative Journey: The bill was introduced on March 12, 2025, passed through various readings and amendments, and was signed into law as Act 907 on April 21, 2025.

Conclusion

The Arkansas RISE Act represents a significant step towards improving the educational landscape for students with disabilities in Arkansas. By mandating clear policies and fostering an inclusive environment, the act aims to empower these students to succeed in their higher education pursuits.

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

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