The bill seeks to amend various laws related to higher education in Arkansas, notably by formally establishing the Arkansas Research Education and Optical Network as a state entity. Key changes include the repeal of affirmative action program requirements and related reporting obligations at higher education institutions, as well as the elimination of laws concerning the duplication of services among these institutions. Significant deletions from current law involve the removal of sections pertaining to affirmative action program summaries and the Arkansas Energy Summary and Report. The bill also introduces new provisions for the governance of the Arkansas Research Education and Optical Network, which will be managed by a newly created Board of Directors representing various state-supported institutions.

Additionally, the bill proposes amendments to employment practices and compensation structures within higher education institutions. It removes references to "unclassified" positions, thereby broadening the application of overtime and incentive pay for patient care personnel at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The Board of Trustees is granted the authority to execute deeds for donated land sales, with the option for a designee to act on their behalf. Furthermore, the bill modifies reporting requirements for equal employment hiring programs, allowing institutions to use existing reports to meet new obligations. It also clarifies the definition of "state agencies" by excluding state-supported institutions from certain classifications, ensuring equitable compensation for unused sick leave for their employees. These amendments aim to streamline administrative processes and enhance compensation flexibility, potentially improving staff recruitment and retention in the higher education sector.

Statutes affected:
SB 358: 6-60-703(b), 6-61-141, 6-61-221(d), 6-62-314, 19-4-1415(b), 6-62-606(b), 6-63-103, 6-63-321, 6-64-218, 19-4-1415(c), 21-3-101(b), 21-4-203(12), 21-4-503, 21-4-501, 21-4-504, 6-58-105, 6-59-105, 21-4-505, 24-4-101, 21-4-207, 22-2-114(c)