Bill > HB1951

This bill establishes guidelines for domain extensions used by higher education institutions, municipal governments, and state agencies in Arkansas. The legislation requires public postsecondary education institutions to use ".edu" domain extensions for their primary websites and email addresses, with limited exceptions for specific temporary or specialized websites. Similarly, municipal governments must use ".gov" domain extensions for their primary websites and email addresses, and state agencies must use either ".gov" or ".mil" domains. The bill provides some flexibility, allowing these entities to operate alternative domain websites under certain conditions, such as for internal use, temporary purposes, or partnership-related events. Additionally, the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Legislative Council can grant waivers in extraordinary circumstances where using the mandated domain extensions might cause demonstrable harm. The bill's legislative findings emphasize that these domain extensions provide security, verify official sources, enhance transparency, and help the public identify legitimate government and educational websites. The new requirements will take effect on June 1, 2026, with smaller cities and towns given until January 1, 2027, to comply.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1951&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R