Summary of Senate Bill 216 (SB 216)

Bill Information

• Bill Number: SB 216
• Title: Relating to the Counties
• Status: Carried over to 2024 Regular Session
• Introduced: February 11, 2025
• Classification: Bill
• Subject: City and County of Honolulu Package, Counties, Liens, Power of Sale, Powers, Real Property

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 216 aims to amend existing laws concerning postsecondary education financial assistance programs in the state of Arkansas. The bill seeks to enhance the framework governing these programs, potentially impacting how financial aid is administered to students pursuing higher education.

Key Provisions

• Amendments to Financial Assistance Programs: The bill proposes specific changes to the current laws that regulate postsecondary education financial assistance, although the exact details of these amendments are not specified in the provided text.
• Stricken and Underlined Language: The bill indicates that certain language will be deleted and new language will be added to existing laws, suggesting a revision of the legal framework governing financial assistance.

Affected Parties

• Students: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be students seeking financial assistance for postsecondary education.
• Educational Institutions: Colleges and universities may also be impacted as they adapt to any changes in the financial assistance programs.
• State Agencies: Agencies responsible for administering these financial assistance programs will need to implement the changes outlined in the bill.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

• February 11, 2025: SB 216 was filed and read for the first time.
• February 13, 2025: The bill passed its second reading, as amended, and was referred to the Judiciary Committee (JDC).
• May 5, 2025: The bill died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment, indicating that it did not progress further in the legislative process.
• Previous Sessions: The bill was carried over from the 2023 session, where it underwent various committee reviews and public hearings.

Related Bills

• HB 106: This bill is noted as a companion to SB 216, suggesting that it may address similar issues or provide additional context to the proposed changes in financial assistance programs.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 216 represents an effort to reform postsecondary education financial assistance in Arkansas. While the bill has not progressed beyond committee stages, its introduction reflects ongoing discussions about improving access to education funding for students. The implications of the proposed amendments could significantly influence the landscape of financial aid in the state.