reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 82 - SCHOLARSHIPS (§§ 6-82-101 — 6-82-2402) › Subchapter 24 - NURSING EARN-TO-LEARN PROGRAMS (§§ 6-82-2401 — 6-82-2402) › Section 6-82-2402 - Nursing earn-to-learn programs

(a)
(1)
A nursing program may establish a nursing earn-to-learn program to allow a nursing student who is seeking an initial licensure as a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse to earn direct patient care clinical credit hours while working in a healthcare facility as a certified nursing assistant, patient care technician, or other job with a similar title.
(2)
A nursing student may not work greater than twenty (20) hours per week as a certified nursing assistant, patient care technician, or other job with a similar title.
(3)
The direct patient care clinical credit hours earned under this section shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the direct patient care clinical credit hours outlined in the foundational curricula of the nursing program or the senior level curricula of the nursing program.
(b)
(1)
If a healthcare facility offers an advanced patient care position within the roles listed in subdivision (a)(1) of this section or with an additional position specifically for senior-level nursing students, then a senior-level nursing student may be allowed to receive credit for senior-level direct patient care clinical hours.
(2)
A senior-level nursing student who is working in an advanced nursing role shall work with at least one (1) nurse but not more than two (2) nurses to protect patient safety and to allow for a focused, quality student experience.
(3)
The nursing program and the healthcare facility shall establish boundaries and expectations of the senior-level nursing student based on accreditation standards and rules of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
(c)
A nursing program and a healthcare facility shall collaborate to establish a standardized student evaluation process.
(d)
A healthcare facility participating in a nursing earn-to-learn program shall identify at least one (1) nurse supervisor or clinical nurse educator to oversee the nursing students.
Added by Act 2023, No. 672,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 84 - TAX-DEFERRED TUITION SAVINGS PROGRAM (§§ 6-84-101 — 6-84-114) › Section 6-84-101 - Title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Arkansas Brighter Future Fund Plan Act".
Amended by Act 2021, No. 966,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Acts 1999, No. 996, § 1; 2003, No. 515, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 84 - TAX-DEFERRED TUITION SAVINGS PROGRAM (§§ 6-84-101 — 6-84-114) › Section 6-84-102 - Purpose

It is the intent and purpose of this chapter to create and establish the Arkansas Brighter Future Fund Plan pursuant to
26 U.S.C. § 529
, as in effect on January 1, 2020, to be administered by the Section 529 Plan Review Committee through the adoption of rules for the administration of the plan.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 966,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 412, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2018EX2, No. 15,§ 1, eff. for tax years beginning on or after 1/1/2018.
Amended by Act 2018EX2, No. 8,§ 1, eff. 1/1/2018.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 884,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 155,§ 1, eff. for tax years beginning on and after 1/1/2015.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 580,§ 1, eff. for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014.
Acts 1999, No. 996, § 2; 2003, No. 515, § 1; 2007, No. 218, § 1; 2011, No. 787, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 84 - TAX-DEFERRED TUITION SAVINGS PROGRAM (§§ 6-84-101 — 6-84-114) › Section 6-84-104 - Creation of Arkansas Brighter Future Fund Plan Trust

(a)
There is created the Arkansas Brighter Future Fund Plan Trust.
(b)
The cotrustees of the trust shall be the Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education, the Executive Director of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, and the Treasurer of State.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 786,§ 26, eff. 4/12/2023.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 966,§ 7, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2122, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1999, No. 996, § 4; 2003, No. 515, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 84 - TAX-DEFERRED TUITION SAVINGS PROGRAM (§§ 6-84-101 — 6-84-114) › Section 6-84-106 - Investment direction

Except as permitted in
26 U.S.C. § 529
, as in effect on January 1, 2020, no person shall have the right to direct the investment of any contributions to or earnings from the Arkansas Brighter Future Fund Plan.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 966,§ 9, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2018EX2, No. 15,§ 2, eff. for tax years beginning on or after 1/1/2018.
Amended by Act 2018EX2, No. 8,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2018.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 884,§ 8, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 155,§ 4, eff. for tax years beginning on and after 1/1/2015.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 580,§ 8, eff. for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014.
Acts 1999, No. 996, § 8; 2003, No. 515, § 1; 2007, No. 218, § 4; 2011, No. 787, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 84 - TAX-DEFERRED TUITION SAVINGS PROGRAM (§§ 6-84-101 — 6-84-114) › Section 6-84-107 - Accounts

(a)
(1)
An account owner or contributor may establish an account by making an initial contribution to the Arkansas Brighter Future Fund Plan, signing an application form approved by the Section 529 Plan Review Committee and naming the account owner and the designated beneficiary.
(2)
If the contributor is not the account owner, the account owner shall also sign the application form.
(3)
Any person may make contributions to an account after the account is opened.
(4)
(A)
An Arkansas employer of an employee with an account established under this chapter may make a matching contribution to the account of the employee offered as an employee fringe benefit.
(B)
The maximum contribution amount allowed under subdivision (a)(4)(A) of this section is five hundred dollars ($500) per contributing employee per year.
(b)
Contributions to an account shall be made only in cash.
(c)
Total contributions to all accounts shall not exceed those reasonably necessary to provide for the qualified higher education expenses of the beneficiary, and the committee shall establish maximum contribution limits applicable to plan accounts.
(d)
Separate records and accounting shall be required by the plan for each account, and reports shall be made no less frequently than annually to the account owner.
(e)
(1)
The plan shall be permitted to collect application, account, or administrative fees to defray the costs of the plan.
(2)
The application, account, or administrative fees must be approved by the committee.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 966,§ 12, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 966,§ 11, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 966,§ 10, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 884,§ 9, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1999, No. 996, § 7; 2003, No. 515, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 84 - TAX-DEFERRED TUITION SAVINGS PROGRAM (§§ 6-84-101 — 6-84-114) › Section 6-84-108 - Naming of designated beneficiary and transfers of accounts

(a)
An account owner shall have the right to name the designated beneficiary of an account and at any time to change the designated beneficiary of an account to another individual who is a member of the family of the former designated beneficiary.
(b)
At the direction of an account owner, all or a portion of an account may be transferred to another account of which the designated beneficiary is a member of the family of the designated beneficiary of the transferee account if the transferee account was created by this chapter or under another qualified tuition program maintained in accordance with
26 U.S.C. § 529
, as in effect on January 1, 2020.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 966,§ 13, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2018EX2, No. 15,§ 3, eff. for tax years beginning on or after 1/1/2018.
Amended by Act 2018EX2, No. 8,§ 3, eff. 1/1/2018.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 884,§ 10, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 155,§ 5, eff. for tax years beginning on and after 1/1/2015.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 580,§ 9, eff. for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014.
Acts 1999, No. 996, § 10; 2003, No. 515, § 1; 2007, No. 218, § 5; 2011, No. 787, § 5.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 84 - TAX-DEFERRED TUITION SAVINGS PROGRAM (§§ 6-84-101 — 6-84-114) › Section 6-84-109 - Account withdrawals

(a)
Withdrawal from an account may be made on thirty (30) days' written notice by the account owner to the Section 529 Plan Review Committee or on shorter notice as the committee may by rule provide.
(b)
(1)
An account withdrawal paid to or for the benefit of any person during any calendar year shall be reported to the person and to the Internal Revenue Service.
(2)
The report shall be made at the time required by the rules of the Internal Revenue Service as in effect on January 1, 2020, and contain such information as is required by law.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 966,§ 14, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 415, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2018EX2, No. 15,§ 3, eff. for tax years beginning on or after 1/1/2018.
Amended by Act 2018EX2, No. 8,§ 3, eff. 1/1/2018.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 884,§ 11, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 155,§ 6, eff. for tax years beginning on and after 1/1/2015.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 580,§ 10, eff. for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014.
Acts 1999, No. 996, § 11; 2003, No. 515, § 1; 2007, No. 218, § 6; 2011, No. 787, § 6.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 84 - TAX-DEFERRED TUITION SAVINGS PROGRAM (§§ 6-84-101 — 6-84-114) › Section 6-84-110 - Prohibitions

(a)
(1)
Total contributions to all accounts established on behalf of a particular designated beneficiary in excess of those reasonably necessary to meet the designated beneficiary's qualified higher education expenses are prohibited.
(2)
An employer matching contribution to the account of an employee with an account established under this chapter shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500) per contributing employee per year.
(b)
(1)
No account or any legal or beneficial interest in an account shall be assignable or pledged or otherwise used to secure or obtain a loan or other advancement.
(2)
An account or any legal or beneficial interest in an account shall not be subject to attachment, levy, or execution by any creditor of an account owner or designated beneficiary.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 884,§ 12, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1999, No. 996, § 9; 2003, No. 515, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 84 - TAX-DEFERRED TUITION SAVINGS PROGRAM (§§ 6-84-101 — 6-84-114) › Section 6-84-112 - Limitation on liability

Neither the Arkansas Brighter Future Fund Plan, the Section 529 Plan Review Committee and each of its members, nor the state shall insure any account or guarantee any rate of return or any interest rate on any contribution, nor shall they or any one of them be liable for any loss incurred by any person as a result of participating in the plan.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 966,§ 21, eff. 7/28/2021.
Acts 1999, No. 996, § 8; 2003, No. 515, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 84 - TAX-DEFERRED TUITION SAVINGS PROGRAM (§§ 6-84-101 — 6-84-114) › Section 6-84-113 - Liberal construction

This chapter shall be liberally construed to comply with the requirements of
26 U.S.C. § 529
, as in effect on January 1, 2020.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 966,§ 22, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2018EX2, No. 15,§ 5, eff. for tax years beginning on or after 1/1/2018.
Amended by Act 2018EX2, No. 8,§ 5, eff. 1/1/2018.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 884,§ 14, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 155,§ 8, eff. for tax years beginning on and after 1/1/2015.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 580,§ 12, eff. for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014.
Acts 1999, No. 996, § 12; 2003, No. 515, § 1; 2007, No. 218, § 8; 2011, No. 787, § 8.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 84 - TAX-DEFERRED TUITION SAVINGS PROGRAM (§§ 6-84-101 — 6-84-114) › Section 6-84-114 - Aspiring Scholars Matching Grant Program

(a)
The Section 529 Plan Review Committee shall develop and implement a pilot program to be known as the "Aspiring Scholars Matching Grant Program" that uses available administrative funds to match a contribution made into an account for a designated beneficiary under this chapter.
(b)
(1)
An advisory committee shall advise the Section 529 Plan Review Committee on the development and implementation of the Aspiring Scholars Matching Grant Program.
(2)
The advisory committee shall consist of three (3) members as follows:
(A)
One (1) member appointed by the Chair of the Senate Committee on Education;
(B)
One (1) member appointed by the Chair of the House Committee on Education; and
(C)
One (1) member appointed by the Governor.
(c)
An Arkansas Brighter Future Fund Plan account shall be exempt for purposes of determining eligibility for transitional employment assistance, Medicaid, and food stamps, provided that the federal rules for these programs permit such an exemption.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 966,§ 23, eff. 7/28/2021.
Acts 2007, No. 597, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 1 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - PART 1 (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-111) › Section 6-85-101 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 81,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 1 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - PART 1 (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-111) › Section 6-85-102 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 81,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 1 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - PART 1 (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-111) › Section 6-85-103 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 81,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 1 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - PART 1 (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-111) › Section 6-85-104 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 81,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2127, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2126, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2125, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2124, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 1 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - PART 1 (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-111) › Section 6-85-105 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 81,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2128, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 1 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - PART 1 (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-111) › Section 6-85-106 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 81,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 755,§ 7, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2141, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2140, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2139, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2138, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2137, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2136, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2135, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2134, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2133, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2132, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2131, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2130, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2129, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 1 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - PART 1 (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-111) › Section 6-85-107 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 81,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2142, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 1 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - PART 1 (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-111) › Section 6-85-108 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 81,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2143, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4; 2009, No. 1405, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 1 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - PART 1 (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-111) › Section 6-85-109 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 81,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2144, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 1 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - PART 1 (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-111) › Section 6-85-110 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 81,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2148, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2147, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2146, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2145, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 1 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - PART 1 (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-111) › Section 6-85-111 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 81,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2149, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-201 - Findings

The General Assembly finds that:
(1)
In approving Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 87, the citizens of this state provided an opportunity to increase the resources provided for higher education scholarships and grants through a state lottery;
(2)
The net proceeds from the state lottery, in addition to existing nonlottery state educational resources for scholarships and grants, will:
(A)
Encourage associate degree, certificate of proficiency program, and technical certificate program recipients and university juniors to complete a baccalaureate degree;
(B)
Provide opportunities for students more than one (1) year out of high school to enter or reenter higher education;
(C)
Provide an improved system of communication to students and parents about opportunities for higher education scholarships and grants in Arkansas; and
(D)
Provide an evaluation and analysis of all state funding for scholarships and grants and how the funding advances the state's goals for higher education; and
(3)
Changes to the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program may be necessary from time to time to ensure the solvency of the program by spreading the program liabilities over a period of time while ensuring that there are scholarship dollars available for students who successfully complete their courses.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1105,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-202 - Creation

The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program is hereby created and established.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-203 - Applicability

(a)
Recipients of Arkansas Governor's Distinguished Scholarships may receive an Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship under this subchapter.
(b)
The amount of an Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship awarded to a recipient of an Arkansas Governor's Distinguished Scholarship shall not be more than the maximum scholarship amount provided to a recipient of an Arkansas Governor's Distinguished Scholarship under §
6-82-312
.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 80,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-207 - Additional eligibility requirements for traditional students

In addition to the basic eligibility requirements of §
6-85-206
, an applicant is eligible as a traditional student if the applicant:
(1)
Graduated from an Arkansas public high school and has a minimum superscore of nineteen (19) on the ACT or the equivalent score on an ACT equivalent;
(2)
Has a disability identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,
20 U.S.C. § 1400
et seq., as it existed on July 1, 2009, and graduated from an Arkansas public high school, and either:
(A)
Had a minimum composite score of nineteen (19) on the ACT or the equivalent score on an ACT equivalent; or
(B)
Scored proficient or higher on all state-mandated end-of-course assessments, including without limitation end-of-course assessments on:
(i)
Algebra I;
(ii)
Geometry;
(iii)
Biology; and
(iv)
Literacy;
(3)
Achieved a minimum superscore of nineteen (19) on the ACT or the equivalent score on an ACT equivalent and:
(A)
Graduated from a private high school, an out-of-state high school, or a home school high school; or
(B)
In the year in which the student would have been a junior or senior in high school, completed the requirements for high school graduation and obtained a high school equivalency diploma approved by the Adult Education Section instead of receiving a diploma; or
(4)
Meets the following criteria:
(A)
Was enrolled at an institution of higher education in the immediately preceding academic year as a full-time, first-time freshman;
(B)
Did not receive a scholarship under this subchapter as a full-time, first-time freshman;
(C)
Successfully completed with the equivalent of a minimum letter grade of "D" at least twenty-seven (27) semester hours of courses as a full-time, first-time freshman; and
(D)
Achieved a postsecondary grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale as a full-time, first-time freshman.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 549,§ 3, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 549,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2163, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 719,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 315,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1105,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1115,§ 19, eff. 7/22/2015.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1263,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4; 2009, No. 1405, §§ 5-8; 2010, No. 265, § 6; 2010, No. 294, § 6; 2011, No. 207, § 7.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-208 - Additional eligibility requirements for nontraditional student

An applicant is eligible as a nontraditional student if, in addition to the basic eligibility requirements of §
6-85-206
, the applicant meets one (1) of the following requirements:
(1)
If the applicant has not been enrolled in an approved institution of higher education, has graduated from an Arkansas public high school, a private high school, an out-of-state high school, a home school high school, or obtained a high school equivalency diploma approved by the Adult Education Section and had a superscore of nineteen (19) on the ACT or the equivalent score on an ACT equivalent; or
(2)
If the applicant has been enrolled in an approved institution of higher education, has earned a postsecondary grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 80,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 549,§ 4, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2164, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 1008,§ 5, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1115,§ 20, eff. 7/22/2015.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4; 2009, No. 1405, §§ 9, 10; 2010, No. 265, § 7; 2010, No. 294, § 7; 2011, No. 207, § 8.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-209 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 462,§ 5, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2166, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2165, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4; 2010, No. 265, § 8; 2010, No. 294, § 8; 2011, No. 207, § 9.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-211 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2174, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-213 - Nursing school eligibility

(a)
(1)
The General Assembly recognizes that the State of Arkansas is experiencing a critical shortage of nurses.
(2)
It is the intent of this section to allow the Division of Higher Education the opportunity, under specific circumstances, to include an approved school of nursing that would not otherwise be an approved institution of higher education in the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program.
(b)
The division shall make awards to applicants attending an approved school of nursing under this section if the recipient meets continuing eligibility requirements in §
6-85-210
.
(c)
The division shall pay scholarship awards under this section only from nonlottery state educational resources.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2182, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No 606, § 4; 2009, No. 1405, § 23.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-214 - Accountability - Transparency - Legislative oversight

(a)
The General Assembly finds that:
(1)
The continual evaluation of the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program and of all state-supported scholarship and grant programs by the General Assembly is critical for maximizing the benefits to the state and its citizens of state financial aid for higher education and meeting state objectives for higher education; and
(2)
Accountability and transparency in the implementation of state-supported scholarship programs are fundamental to a proper evaluation of the programs.
(b)
The General Assembly finds that the collection of data and the reports required under §§
6-85-216
-
6-85-220
and §
6-60-901
et seq. are necessary to ensure accountability and transparency.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1173,§ 10, eff. 4/12/2013.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-215 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2013, No. 1173,§ 11, eff. 4/12/2013.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4; 2010, No. 265, § 14; 2010, No. 294, § 14; 2011, No. 207, §§ 15, 16; 2011, No. 635, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-216 - Institution report to Division of Higher Education

(a)
(1)
(A)
An approved institution of higher education that enrolls students receiving scholarships under this subchapter annually shall provide information and semiannually shall provide updated information to the Division of Higher Education regarding all state-supported student financial assistance, whether or not the state-supported student financial assistance is awarded under this subchapter.
(B)
An approved institution of higher education is not required to provide the information described in subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section to the division if the information has previously been reported to the division through the Arkansas Higher Education Information System or the state financial aid information system.
(2)
The information described in subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section shall be provided in the form of individual student records and shall include without limitation information regarding:
(A)
The criteria for determining eligibility for scholarships under this subchapter;
(B)
Demographic student data; and
(C)
Disaggregated data on remedial courses.
(3)
(A)
An approved institution of higher education shall undertake the procedures necessary to ensure the collection and reporting of student information under this section.
(B)
An approved institution of higher education may lose its approved status for receiving scholarship funds on behalf of a recipient under this subchapter if it fails to make a good-faith effort to comply with this section.
(C)
In addition to the provisions of subdivision (a)(3)(B) of this section, an institution of higher education that does not comply with this section shall not be eligible to accept state aid from the Higher Education Grants Fund Account on behalf of a student.
(b)
The division shall establish by rule the:
(1)
Specific data required;
(2)
Manner of reporting the information required; and
(3)
Technology or software required for reporting.
(c)
The division shall use the information provided under this section to conduct the research and analysis needed to support the annual report of the Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education to the Legislative Council under §
6-85-205
.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 786,§ 29, eff. 4/12/2023.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 80,§ 3, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2183, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1258,§ 10, eff. 7/22/2015.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 218,§ 11, eff. 2/26/2015.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1173,§ 12, eff. 4/12/2013.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-217 - Information provided to Bureau of Legislative Research by Division of Higher Education

The Division of Higher Education shall provide the following data to the Bureau of Legislative Research through the Arkansas Higher Education Information System under §
6-60-901
et seq., for the purpose of assisting the General Assembly with evaluation and analysis under this subchapter:
(1)
Existing individual student data;
(2)
Institutional data;
(3)
Financial data;
(4)
Aggregate student scholarship and grant application and award data;
(5)
Remedial course data; and
(6)
Other data needed to track scholarship and grant students receiving state-supported student financial assistance from year to year.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2184, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1173,§ 13, eff. 4/12/2013.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4; 2010, No. 265, §§ 15, 16; 2010, No. 294, §§ 15, 16; 2011, No. 207, § 17.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-219 - Reports to legislative committees

(a)
(1)
Annually by November 1, the Division of Higher Education shall report to the Legislative Council in the manner and format that the Legislative Council requires on all state-supported student financial assistance awarded by the division and awarded by approved institutions of higher education.
(2)
The information provided shall include without limitation:
(A)
Current year expenditures for scholarships and grants under the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program;
(B)
Projected obligations for succeeding years from each scholarship or grant funding source;
(C)
Fund balances for the:
(i)
Higher Education Grants Fund Account; and
(ii)
Trust accounts maintained by the Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education to hold the net proceeds from the state lottery;
(D)
An evaluation of whether the net proceeds from the state lottery available for the program supplement and do not supplant nonlottery state educational resources; and
(E)
Other information that the Legislative Council or the General Assembly requests.
(b)
Annually by December 1, the division shall report to the Legislative Council its recommendations for changes to the program, including without limitation:
(1)
Adjustments to the eligibility requirements of the program; and
(2)
Increases or decreases in the amounts awarded for a scholarship under the program based on the amount of net proceeds from the state lottery available.
(c)
Annually by December 31, the division shall report to the Legislative Council summary-level data, in accordance with §
6-85-216
, on recipients of scholarships under this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 786,§ 30, eff. 4/12/2023.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 80,§ 4, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2185, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 868,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1258,§ 11, eff. 7/22/2015.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 218,§ 12, eff. 2/26/2015.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1269,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1173,§ 14, eff. 4/12/2013.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-220 - Legislative Council - Annual report

(a)
The Legislative Council shall:
(1)
Oversee the development and implementation of Arkansas Code requirements with regard to the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program;
(2)
Review whether and how the use of net state lottery proceeds helps to accomplish state objectives for higher education;
(3)
Review the ongoing data collection, research, and evaluation of the program;
(4)
Review the annual report of the Division of Higher Education under §
6-85-219
;
(5)
Review and recommend changes to the:
(A)
Number of awards for each scholarship and grant;
(B)
Award levels;
(C)
Eligibility requirements; and
(D)
Overall administration of the program; and
(6)
Review and recommend policies for scholarships and grants funded with nonlottery state educational resources, including without limitation ways to ensure that net proceeds from the state lottery are used to supplement and not supplant nonlottery state educational resources.
(b)
Annually by December 15, the Legislative Council shall report its findings and recommendations to the:
(1)
Office of the Arkansas Lottery;
(2)
President Pro Tempore of the Senate;
(3)
Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(4)
Governor;
(5)
House Committee on Education; and
(6)
Senate Committee on Education.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2186, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1258,§ 11, eff. 7/22/2015.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 218,§ 12, eff. 2/26/2015.
Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4; 2011, No. 207, § 18.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-221 - Scholarship hold - Leave of absence

(a)
The Division of Higher Education may approve a scholarship hold or a leave of absence for a traditional student for a period of twenty-four (24) months or less.
(b)
The reasons for a scholarship hold or a leave of absence may include without limitation:
(1)
A medical condition of the student or a member of the student's immediate family that, on the basis of a physician's good-faith judgment, necessitates the student or the student's immediate family member to be hospitalized or receive outpatient or home-based medical care or to recuperate until released by the attending physician;
(2)
A personal or family emergency that requires the student to:
(A)
Attend the funeral of an immediate family member; or
(B)
Visit a relative of the student if the relative has a medical condition in which death is possible or imminent;
(3)
Military service under §
6-61-112
; or
(4)
(A)
A commitment of twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) months for service in a national or international humanitarian project sponsored by a nonprofit corporation organized with a charitable or educational purpose.
(B)
The student's commitment shall be expressed in a written agreement with the nonprofit organization including the terms of completion for the student's service on the related project.
(C)
The division shall release a scholarship hold or a leave of absence, whichever is applicable, if the division determines that the student did not complete the commitment under the written agreement.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2188, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2187, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2011, No. 207, § 19.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-201 — 6-85-222) › Section 6-85-222 - Vocational-technical school and technical institute eligibility

(a)
An applicant for a scholarship under this subchapter who has applied to or is currently enrolled in a public or private vocational-technical school or a public or private technical institute shall, in addition to the relevant eligibility requirements under this subchapter, be accepted for admission in a program of study that leads to an associate degree or a certificate program in one (1) of the following high-demand fields:
(1)
Industry;
(2)
Health care; or
(3)
Information technology.
(b)
The Division of Higher Education shall file annually by November 1 a report to the Legislative Council in the manner and format that the Legislative Council requires regarding:
(1)
All state-supported student financial assistance awarded by the division under this subchapter to students enrolled in vocational-technical schools and technical institutes; and
(2)
The permissible high-demand fields under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation recommendations for adding or removing a high-demand field that is considered eligible for scholarship purposes under subsection (a) of this section.
Added by Act 2023, No. 539,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2023.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS WORKFORCE CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-301 — 6-85-307) › Section 6-85-301 - Creation

There is created the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship Program.
Added by Act 2017, No. 613,§ 3, eff. 3/23/2017.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 6 - POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (§§ 6-80-101 — 6-85-604) › Chapter 85 - ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-101 — 6-85-604) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS WORKFORCE CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 6-85-301 — 6-85-307) › Section 6-85-302 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter:
(1)
"Approved institution of higher education" means an institution of higher education approved by the Division of Higher Education to participate in the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship Program and that is:
(A)
A state-supported two-year or four-year college or university; or
(B)
A private, nonprofit two-year or four-year college or university with its primary headquarters located in Arkansas that is eligible to receive Title IV federal student aid funds; and
(2)
(A)
"Certificate program" means a program that is offered or made available to a student by an approved institution of higher education that leads to the obtainment of a certification or license, including without limitation a program operated or sponsored by a third party.
(B)
The credit hours or contact hours awarded for a certificate program may include credit hours or contact hours that are not creditable toward an associate or a baccalaureate degree.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2189, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by Act 2017, No. 613,§ 3, eff. 3/23/2017.