The Arkansas RISE Act aims to enhance support for students with disabilities in higher education by establishing a new subchapter under Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 60. This legislation introduces definitions pertinent to the act, including "institution of higher education," "plain language," and "student with a disability," which aligns with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Institutions are required to adopt transparent policies for evaluating disability status, disseminate information in plain language, and engage in an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.

Additionally, the act mandates that institutions provide a representative list of reasonable accommodations and ensure that students are not required to undergo reevaluation for previously documented permanent disabilities. Institutions must also have a clear process for addressing concerns regarding accommodations that may alter essential course requirements. The provisions of this act will take effect on January 1, 2026, thereby ensuring that students with disabilities receive the necessary support and resources to succeed in their educational pursuits.