Arkansas House Bill HJR1006

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• 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
• Passed: 4/7/23

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.