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HB 1951

TO SET FORTH AUTHORIZED DOMAIN EXTENSIONS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION AND GOVERNMENT WEBSITES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Bryant and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1951 mandates Arkansas public higher education and government entities to use specific domain extensions, enhancing security and public trust online.

Notification that HB1951 is now Act 929
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Bill Summary · HB 1951

Summary of House Bill 1951 (Act 929)

Bill Number: HB 1951
Title: To Set Forth Authorized Domain Extensions for Higher Education and Government Websites
Status: Now Act 929
Introduced: April 1, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1951 aims to establish clear guidelines for the use of domain extensions by public higher education institutions and government entities in Arkansas. The bill emphasizes the importance of using specific domain extensions such as ".edu" for educational institutions and ".gov" for government websites to enhance security, accountability, and public trust.

Key Provisions

1. Domain Extensions for Higher Education

  • Mandatory Use of ".edu": Public institutionally accredited postsecondary or higher education institutions must use the ".edu" top-level domain for their official websites and email addresses.
  • Exceptions: Institutions may use other domain extensions under specific conditions, such as:
    • The website is not mistaken for the primary institutional site.
    • It is for internal use or temporary (not exceeding one year).
    • It relates to events or programs in partnership with non-governmental entities.

2. Domain Extensions for Municipal Governments

  • Mandatory Use of ".gov": Municipal governments are required to use the ".gov" domain for their official websites and email addresses.
  • Exceptions: Similar to educational institutions, municipalities may use other domains if:
    • The site is not mistaken for the primary municipal site.
    • It is for internal use or temporary (not exceeding one year).
    • It relates to events or programs in partnership with non-governmental entities.

3. Domain Extensions for State Agencies

  • Mandatory Use of ".gov" or ".mil": State agencies, boards, or commissions must use either the ".gov" or ".mil" domain for their official websites and email addresses.
  • Exceptions: Agencies may use other domains under similar conditions as outlined for educational institutions and municipalities.

4. Waivers

  • The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Legislative Council can authorize waivers for the domain requirements if extraordinary circumstances exist that would cause demonstrable harm to the public or businesses.

Impact

This legislation affects:
- Public Higher Education Institutions: Ensures that students and the public can easily identify official educational resources.
- Municipal Governments: Enhances the credibility of government websites, reducing the risk of fraud.
- State Agencies: Promotes transparency and accountability in state governance.

Procedural Timeline

  • April 1, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 3, 2025: Bill read and amended; ordered engrossed.
  • April 8, 2025: Passed by the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • April 16, 2025: Passed by the Senate; returned to the House.
  • April 21, 2025: Notification that HB 1951 is now Act 929.

Conclusion

House Bill 1951 establishes important standards for domain usage among Arkansas's higher education institutions and government entities, aiming to enhance security, accountability, and public trust in online resources. The act is now in effect as Act 929, reflecting the state's commitment to maintaining reliable and secure online platforms for its citizens.

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

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