AR SB997

Modifies eligibility requirements for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program by changing the maximum enrollment period from 130 semester hours to 8 semesters for full-time students and 16 semesters for part-time students.

Adds new definition of "Arkansas resident" requiring proof of maintaining a permanent home in Arkansas for at least 4 days and nights per week, with alternative documentation options including voter registration, driver's license, public assistance benefits, tax residency, or military service.

Creates exception for military personnel deployed outside Arkansas by allowing the 12-month residency period to exclude deployment months and include prior months of Arkansas residency.

Repeals the student consent form requirement (§ 6-85-215) that previously required students to authorize release of personal information to the Bureau of Legislative Research before receiving state financial aid.

Declares an emergency effective date to allow the Department of Higher Education to implement rules before the June 1 scholarship application deadline.