AR HB1509

Exempts out-of-state schools that offer education or training outside the state and do not participate in distance education from private school regulations under Arkansas Code § 6-51-603.

Repeals the requirement that the State Board of Private Career Education employ a director and instead requires the board to employ a director who reports to the board.

Lowers the threshold for using excess Private Career School Student Protection Trust Fund amounts from $500,000 to $200,000, and adds student scholarships as an allowable use with priority given to veterinary medicine student loans at Mississippi State University College of Medicine.

Clarifies that admissions representatives soliciting or selling programs of study in Arkansas must obtain a license from the Department of Higher Education, with an exception for out-of-state schools providing educational training outside the state.

Modifies Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship eligibility by allowing recipients of Arkansas Governor's Distinguished Scholarships to also receive Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarships, but limits combined awards to the maximum Governor's Distinguished Scholarship amount.