This bill amends provisions in Title 6 and Title 19 of the Arkansas Code regarding provisional positions and motor vehicle restrictions for state-supported institutions of higher education. Specifically, it increases the number of authorized positions at several institutions, including Arkansas State University-Jonesboro from 375 to 425, Northwest Arkansas Community College from 80 to 100, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville from 750 to 1,000, and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff from 150 to 200. Additionally, it raises the motor vehicle authorizations for various colleges, such as Black River Technical College from 14 to 20, Northwest Arkansas Community College from 22 to 30, and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences from 110 to 120.

The bill also includes an emergency clause, stating that the changes are necessary to ensure the efficient operation of these institutions ahead of the upcoming fiscal year. The adjustments to both positions and vehicle authorizations are deemed essential for the disbursement of certain federal and foundation grants, necessitating the implementation of these changes before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
HB 1697: 6-63-305(b), 19-4-906(a)
Act 477: 6-63-305(b), 19-4-906(a)