The bill amends Arkansas law regarding higher education by requiring institutions to report on the number of students receiving accommodations for disabilities. It introduces a new section, 6-60-123, which outlines the findings of the General Assembly regarding the lack of statewide data on postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities. The bill emphasizes the importance of collecting data to improve educational and career outcomes for these students, which is essential for meeting the state's economic demands.

Institutions of higher education that are eligible for Title IV federal student aid must report annually to the Division of Higher Education the number of students with disabilities registered for accommodations. The report will include key data such as the number and percentage of these students among the total undergraduate population, as well as the total number of degrees awarded to them. However, institutions are exempt from reporting if the number of students with disabilities is less than three percent of the total student population or if reporting would reveal personally identifiable information. Additionally, the Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report will now include this data on students with disabilities.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1728 V2 - 4-1-2025 10:09 AM: 6-60-703(b)
Old version HB1728 Original - 3-10-2025 03:50 PM: 6-60-703(b)
HB 1728: 6-60-703(b)
Act 906: 6-60-703(b)