This bill amends the definition of a "dependent" for the purposes of higher education scholarships in Arkansas, specifically within the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program. The new definition includes a spouse, biological children, adopted children, stepchildren, and children under legal guardianship of certain individuals, such as disabled veterans and prisoners of war. The bill specifies that these dependents must be current residents of Arkansas and clarifies the eligibility criteria for dependent children based on definitions established by the U.S. Department of Education.

Additionally, the bill modifies the prioritization criteria for scholarship awards, ensuring that priority is given to students who are dependents of individuals who were residents of Arkansas at the time of their military service and who were killed while on duty. The language changes include the removal of previous definitions and the introduction of clearer terms regarding the relationship of dependents to qualifying individuals, thereby streamlining the eligibility process for scholarship applicants.

Statutes affected:
SB 3: 6-82-601(a), 6-85-212(d)