Bill > HB1512

This bill aims to create the Arkansas ACCESS Act and amend various provisions of the Arkansas Code related to education. The key provisions include: This bill creates the Arkansas Access Act, which focuses on transforming several aspects of education in Arkansas. The bill makes significant changes to scholarship programs, higher education governance, and educational opportunities. Key modifications include establishing a new ACCESS to Acceleration Scholarship Program to replace the previous Concurrent Challenge Scholarship Program, reducing the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board from 12 to 7 members, and creating new scholarship opportunities for students, including an Arkansas Heroes Scholarship for children of first responders and military members. The bill also introduces new provisions related to accelerated learning, which encompasses advanced placement courses, International Baccalaureate programs, concurrent credit courses, and other advanced educational opportunities. Additionally, the legislation addresses faculty performance reviews at state-supported institutions of higher education, implements stricter guidelines for diversity and inclusion initiatives, and creates a Direct Admissions Program to streamline college application processes for high school students. The bill aims to enhance educational opportunities, improve scholarship accessibility, and align educational programs with workforce needs in Arkansas.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1512&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R