AR HB1543

Establishes the process for merging Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute into East Arkansas Community College, requiring approval votes from both institutions' boards and the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Upon merger effectiveness, all assets, property, obligations, records, personnel, and unexpended appropriations of Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute transfer to East Arkansas Community College, and Crowley's Ridge's board is abolished.

Between the merger vote and effective date, Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute is prohibited from changing policies, terminating employees, transferring employees, hiring new staff, or destroying records without board approval, with an interim administrator designated by East Arkansas Community College.

Transferred employees may choose within 210 days to either retain their current retirement system or join East Arkansas Community College's retirement system, and may elect either state employee health insurance or the college's health insurance plan.

Funding from the Work Force 2000 Development Fund and Federal Adult Basic Education Fund that would have gone to Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute shall be provided to East Arkansas Community College for workforce development and training programs.