TO REQUIRE A PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL TO GRANT ACCESS TO ITS FACILITIES TO MILITARY RECRUITERS; AND TO REQUIRE CERTAIN STATE-SUPPORTED POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTIONS TO GRANT ACCESS TO ITS FACILITIES TO MILITARY RECRUITERS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jon Eubanks and 2 co-sponsors

HB 1689 requires Arkansas public high schools and state colleges to grant military recruiters access, enhancing students' awareness of military career opportunities.

Notification that HB1689 is now Act 355

Summary of HB 1689 - Access for Military Recruiters

Bill Number: HB 1689
Title: To Require a Public High School to Grant Access to Its Facilities to Military Recruiters; and to Require Certain State-Supported Postsecondary Institutions to Grant Access to Its Facilities to Military Recruiters
Status: Now Act 355
Introduced: March 5, 2025
Sponsors: Representatives M. Shepherd, Eubanks; Senator D. Wallace

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 1689 is to ensure that military recruiters have access to public high schools and certain state-supported postsecondary institutions in Arkansas. The bill aims to facilitate the dissemination of information regarding educational and career opportunities available in the military to students.

Key Provisions

Access to High Schools:

Public high schools must grant military recruiters access to their facilities on the same basis as other organizations that inform students about career and educational options.
Recruiters are allowed to engage with students in grades 10-12 during normal school hours and at public events outside of school hours.
Schools cannot impose additional restrictions on military recruiters that are not applied to other prospective employers or educational institutions.

Access to Postsecondary Institutions:

State-supported postsecondary institutions are required to allow military recruiters to inform students about military career opportunities.
Similar provisions apply as those for high schools, ensuring equal access for military recruiters.

Information and Reporting:

The Secretary of the Department of the Military is tasked with collecting compliance information from military recruiters and preparing an annual report on adherence to the access requirements.
Schools must inform students about opportunities to engage with military recruiters electronically and during advisory sessions.

Definitions:

The bill defines "military forces" to include the Arkansas National Guard and various branches of the U.S. military, ensuring clarity on who qualifies as a recruiter.

Impact

Affected Entities:

Public high schools and state-supported postsecondary institutions in Arkansas will be directly impacted by the requirements of this bill.
Military recruiters will benefit from increased access to students, potentially enhancing recruitment efforts.

No Fiscal Impact:

According to the fiscal impact statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, there is no expected financial impact resulting from the implementation of this bill.

Legislative Timeline

March 5, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.

March 12, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.

March 18, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House.

March 20, 2025: Notification that HB 1689 is now Act 355.

This summary provides an overview of HB 1689, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the implications for schools and military recruiters in Arkansas.