The bill amends the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship Program to expand the definition of "approved institution of higher education" to include public and private vocational-technical schools and technical institutes. It introduces new eligibility criteria for students, such as being a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and specifies that the scholarship can be used for programs leading to portable licenses or certificates in high-demand fields, including construction trades and logistics. Additionally, the maximum scholarship award is increased from $800 to $2,500 per academic year, and provisions are made for students to carry over unspent scholarship funds if their program extends beyond one academic year.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that approved institutions submit annual reports to the Division of Higher Education, detailing graduation rates, job placement statistics, and starting salaries of graduates. The Division of Higher Education, in consultation with the Division of Workforce Services, is tasked with implementing the new rules and ensuring compliance with the updated scholarship program. An emergency clause is included, emphasizing the immediate need for these changes to address workforce demands and allow Arkansans to benefit from the use of state lottery proceeds for vocational training.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1446 Original - 2-11-2025 09:05 AM: 6-85-302, 6-85-304, 6-15-501, 6-85-201, 6-85-305(b), 6-85-307
Old version HB1446 V2 - 2-13-2025 10:07 AM: 6-85-302, 02-13-2025, 6-85-304, 6-15-501, 6-85-201, 6-85-305(b), 6-85-307
HB 1446: 6-85-302, 6-85-304, 6-15-501, 6-85-201, 6-85-305(b), 6-85-307