AR
Arkansas Senate Bill SB618

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB618

Introduced
4/3/25  
Refer
4/3/25  
Report Pass
4/7/25  
Engrossed
4/8/25  
Refer
4/8/25  
Report Pass
4/10/25  
Enrolled
4/15/25  
Chaptered
4/18/25  

Caption

To Amend The Arkansas Student Due Process And Protection Act.

Impact

The amendments proposed by SB618 will impact state laws concerning student rights in higher education by formalizing the notification process for legal representation and adjusting the time frame for appeals. Specifically, the bill changes the appeal period from seven days to a new specified timeline, aimed at facilitating students' opportunity to respond adequately during these processes. Such changes might enhance students' fair treatment and due process during disciplinary actions.

Summary

Senate Bill 618 aims to amend the Arkansas Student Due Process and Protection Act by enhancing the rights of students involved in institutional investigations or disciplinary proceedings. A significant change introduced by this bill is the requirement for higher education institutions to inform students of their right to seek representation by an attorney. This provision is expected to empower students by ensuring they are aware of their legal rights during potentially sensitive and consequential procedures.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB618 appears to be largely supportive, reflecting a positive outlook towards the improvements in student rights and protections. Lawmakers who advocate for the bill see it as a vital step towards ensuring due process for students, which is generally seen as necessary for fairness and equity in educational settings. However, there may be concerns regarding how these changes will be implemented across various institutions and whether they will be uniformly upheld.

Contention

While the bill is predominantly seen as a safeguard for students' rights, discussions may arise concerning the practicality of enforcing attorney representation rights and the implications of extended appeal periods on institutional processes. Questions about the financial impact on institutions and the potential for increased legal battles could also be raised by opponents who fear that enhanced legal rights might complicate disciplinary processes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB365

To Create The Arkansas Student Due Process And Protection Act; And To Establish Procedural Protections For Student Conduct Disciplinary Proceedings At Public Two-year And Four-year Institutions Of Higher Education.

AR SB121

To Amend The Arkansas State Capitol And Historical Monument Protection Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1649

To Amend The Arkansas Student-athlete Publicity Rights Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1415

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.

AR SB294

To Create The Learns Act; To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code As They Relate To Early Childhood Through Grade Twelve Education In The State Of Arkansas; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB495

To Create The Protect Arkansas Act; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Sentencing And Parole; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Criminal Offenses; And To Create The Legislative Recidivism Reduction Task Force.

AR HB1419

To Create The Ensuring Access For All Arkansans And Voter Protection Act Of 2023; To Amend The Procedure For The Filing Of A Ballot Initiative And Referendum Petition; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1783

To Amend The Arkansas Franchise Practices Act.

AR HB1670

To Amend The Arkansas Human Life Protection Act And The Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act To Add An Exception For A Pregnancy That Is The Result Of Incest.

AR HB1113

To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning The Award Of Scholarships Under The Succeed Scholarship Program To Students In Foster Care.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.