AR HB1355

Repeals Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 81, Subchapter 11, which provided tuition assistance grants for Arkansas residents attending out-of-state schools of dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, podiatry, and chiropractic.

Creates the Medical Student Loan Repayment and Tuition Reimbursement Program Act to assist licensed practitioners in Arkansas with repayment of federal student loans or tuition reimbursement for veterinary medicine, dental medicine, optometric medicine, podiatric medicine, and chiropractic medicine.

Establishes eligibility requirements including licensure in Arkansas, Department of Higher Education certification, and residency or practice in Arkansas during the calendar year of application for up to 4 consecutive years.

Requires the Department of Higher Education to allocate qualified recipients based on appropriated funds, determine award procedures if applications exceed available funding, and distribute repayments according to departmental allocations.

Directs the Department of Higher Education to adopt initial rules by January 1, 2020, or as soon as practicable after Legislative Council approval, addressing implementation and terms and conditions of the loan repayment and tuition reimbursement program.