AR SJR8

Establishes the Arkansas System of Higher Education Commission consisting of nine members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, with initial members appointed by July 1, 2013, serving three, six, and nine-year staggered terms.

Creates the Arkansas System of Higher Education as a unified system encompassing all state-supported institutions of higher education funded wholly or in-part by direct legislative appropriations.

Grants the commission governing board authority to prescribe educational standards, determine institutional functions and courses of study, grant degrees, recommend budget allocations to the General Assembly, and recommend tuition and fees for final Assembly approval.

Requires the General Assembly to approve all tuition and fee increases at state-supported institutions of higher education, prohibiting unilateral institutional tuition increases.

Becomes effective on July 1, 2013, with the amendment requiring voter approval at the next general election for Representatives and Senators.