AR SB278

Establishes tuition-free attendance at state-supported institutions of higher education for Arkansas National Guard soldiers and airmen who meet eligibility requirements including Arkansas residency, completion of initial active duty training, good standing status, and enrollment in undergraduate degree programs.

Limits tuition-free benefit to a maximum of 120 semester credit hours, with remedial courses counted toward this limit, and requires students to maintain satisfactory academic progress and not drop more than 6 semester credit hours without justification.

State of Arkansas reimburses institutions for tuition expenses not covered by federal grants, scholarships, or institutional aid; payments made directly to institutions on behalf of eligible members.

For nonmedical discharge, benefit extends for one semester or length of any mobilization period; for medical discharge from line-of-duty injury, benefit extends until degree completion or 5 years, whichever occurs first.

Repeals the previous Arkansas National Guard Tuition Incentive Program (12-62-601 et seq.) while grandfathering current recipients at private institutions; Adjutant General coordinates with Department of Higher Education to implement rules and monitor program success including graduation rates.