AR HB1701

Establishes a five-year pilot program within the Department of Higher Education to award grants to historically black colleges and universities in Arkansas for educating eligible offenders.

Defines eligible offenders as individuals convicted of a criminal offense who have been released from incarceration within one year or are scheduled to be released within one year.

Specifies educational programs as either high school equivalency diploma programs or transferrable college courses offered by the participating institutions.

Limits grant funding to a maximum of 50% of educational program costs, with recipients able to meet matching requirements through in-kind contributions of goods or services.

Requires the Department of Higher Education to report results of the pilot program to both the House and Senate Education Committees within six months after the program concludes.