Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HJR1006

Introduced
2/7/23  
Refer
2/7/23  
Report Pass
4/3/23  
Engrossed
4/4/23  
Refer
4/4/23  
Report Pass
4/6/23  

Caption

A Constitutional Amendment To Provide That Lottery Proceeds May Be Used To Fund Or Provide Scholarships And Grants To Arkansas Citizens Enrolled In Vocational-technical Schools And Technical Institutes.

Impact

If passed, the amendment would modify Article 19, § 14(b) of the Arkansas Constitution, expanding the current permissible uses of lottery proceeds, which were previously limited mainly to operating expenses and funding scholarships for traditional higher education institutions. This change is likely to have a significant positive impact on vocational education in Arkansas, potentially increasing enrollment in technical programs and aligning education with labor market needs.

Summary

HJR1006 is a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at altering how lottery proceeds in Arkansas can be utilized. Specifically, the bill seeks to allow lottery funds to be directed towards scholarships and grants for Arkansas citizens enrolled in vocational-technical schools and technical institutes. This move is designed to enhance educational opportunities and support workforce development within the state, particularly in trades and technical fields where there is a growing demand for skilled workers.

Contention

While HJR1006 has garnered support from legislators prioritizing economic and educational development, there are potential points of contention. Critics may argue about the fundamental changes to how lottery revenues are distributed and whether it's prudent to dedicate these funds to vocational programs at the potential expense of traditional higher education funding. Discussions around the criteria for scholarship eligibility, the administration of funds, and the overall effectiveness of this shift in focus could also fuel debate among stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1058

An Act For The University Of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB73

An Act For The Department Of Education - Division Of Higher Education - Northwest Technical Institute Reappropriation.

AR SB33

An Act For The Department Of Education - Division Of Career And Technical Education Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1022

An Act For The University Of Arkansas And The Division Of Agriculture - Arkansas Biosciences Institutes Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HR1004

To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.

AR HCR1002

To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.

AR HR1057

In Respectful Memory Of David Pryor, Former Governor Of Arkansas And United States Senator.

AR SB37

An Act For The Department Of Education - Arkansas School For The Blind And Arkansas School For The Deaf Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1010

An Act For The Arkansas State University - Arkansas Biosciences Institute Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SR23

To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.