The bill mandates that public high schools and certain state-supported postsecondary institutions grant access to military recruiters to inform students about educational and career opportunities in the military. Specifically, it amends Arkansas Code 6-13-626 to require public school districts to allow military recruiters the same access as other prospective employers and educational entities. The bill stipulates that if a school does not provide access to other recruiters, it must still allow limited access to military recruiters for engaging with students in grades 10-12 during normal school hours and at public events. Additionally, military recruiters are not to face additional restrictions compared to other entities and must be allowed to distribute information and collect student contact details under the same conditions.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new sections to Arkansas Code Title 6, establishing similar access requirements for state-supported career academies, precollege academies, secondary career centers, technical centers, and institutions of higher education. These sections ensure that military recruiters can inform students about opportunities available in the military, reinforcing the importance of military engagement in educational settings. The definitions of "military forces" are consistent throughout the bill, encompassing various branches of the U.S. military and the Arkansas National Guard.

Statutes affected:
HB 1689: 6-13-626
Act 355: 6-13-626