AR HB1303

Amends Arkansas Code § 6-81-605(a) to establish priority funding under the Teacher Opportunity Program for the Dual Licensure Incentive Program in five specific fields: science, technology, engineering, mathematics, computer science, literacy or reading, prekindergarten education, and special education.

Allows additional reimbursements from remaining funds after primary awards are exhausted, limited to the cost of student fees, books, and instructional supplies at the highest-cost public institution of higher education in Arkansas.

Caps reimbursements to one student per fiscal year at the cost of six semester credit hours or equivalent, provided all Department of Higher Education requirements are met.

Amends Arkansas Code § 6-81-607(3) to define "student" as a classroom teacher attending higher education through the Dual Licensure Incentive Program for additional education in the same five prioritized fields.

Bill was approved on February 13, 2017 as Act 160 of the Regular Session.