AR HB1297

Amends Arkansas Code § 6-61-136 to create exceptions to the requirement that higher education accrediting agencies obtain recognition from the United States Department of Education.

Exempts accrediting agencies that exclusively accredit religious schools preparing students for religious vocations in ministry, counseling, theology, education administration, music, fine arts, or media communications.

Exempts accrediting agencies that only accredit institutions with religious modifiers in their names or degree titles, provided the religious modifier appears on the title line, transcript, and official documents.

Prohibits exempt accrediting agencies from accrediting any institution that receives federal funding.

Requires institutions accredited under the exemptions to provide written notification to students that their credits and degrees are not transferable to institutions accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, with documented student acknowledgment maintained in student records.