To Amend The Law Concerning Lottery-funded Scholarships.
Impact
If passed, HB1513 is expected to have significant implications on the state's educational funding landscape. The amendments proposed in this bill could broaden eligibility criteria for scholarship applications, enabling a wider range of students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds, to gain financial support for their education. This change may lead to increased enrollment in higher education institutions and contribute to the development of a more educated workforce in Arkansas.
Summary
House Bill 1513 aims to amend existing laws governing lottery-funded scholarships in Arkansas. The legislation seeks to ensure that lottery revenues are allocated in a manner that enhances the accessibility and quality of educational opportunities for the state's residents. By modifying the current framework, the bill may enable more students to benefit from scholarship programs, thus promoting higher education and skill development within the community.
Contention
Despite the potential benefits of HB1513, there may be points of contention regarding the allocation of lottery funds. Some stakeholders may express concern that changes to the scholarship program could divert resources from other critical areas within the education sector, such as K-12 funding or certain vocational programs. Additionally, there might be debates surrounding the efficiency and management of the scholarship disbursement process, with calls for transparency and accountability in how funds are utilized.
To Require The Division Of Higher Education To Promulgate Certain Rules Concerning The Administration Of Scholarships Funded With State Funds And Lottery Proceeds; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Amend The Lottery-funded Scholarship Programs To Include Vocational-technical Schools And Technical Institutes As Approved Institutions Of Higher Education.
To Amend Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, ยง 14, And Arkansas Law To Provide That Lottery Proceeds May Be Used For Scholarships And Grants To Arkansans Enrolled In Vocational-technical Schools And Technical Institutes.
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.
To Amend The Law Concerning Rural Medical Practice Student Loans And Scholarships; And To Amend The Law To Include Students Enrolled In Additional Medical Programs As Eligible For Receipt Of Rural Medical Practice Loans.
To Amend The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program Concerning Approved Institutions Of Higher Education; And Concerning The Higher Education Grants Fund Account.
To Amend The Definition Of A Dependent For Purposes Of Higher Education Scholarships; And To Amend The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program.