The Arkansas Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act aims to enhance support for students with disabilities in higher education institutions. The bill introduces a new subchapter under Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 60, specifically addressing the needs and rights of these students. It defines key terms such as "institution of higher education," "plain language," and "student with a disability," aligning them with existing federal definitions. The act mandates that institutions adopt transparent policies for evaluating disability documentation, including individualized education programs and accommodations under the Rehabilitation Act. Institutions are also required to disseminate information about these policies in plain language to students, parents, and faculty.

Additionally, the RISE Act establishes a framework for reasonable accommodations, requiring institutions to engage in an interactive process to document and address the accommodation needs of students with disabilities. Institutions must provide accessible information about available accommodations and ensure that students are not subjected to unnecessary re-evaluations for permanent disabilities. The act emphasizes the importance of individualized accommodations and outlines the responsibilities of higher education institutions in supporting students with disabilities. The provisions of this act will take effect on January 1, 2026.