AR HB1897

Repeals the detailed definition of "Arkansas resident" in Arkansas Code § 6-85-204(5) that previously required maintaining a permanent home with minimum occupancy and meeting specific residency verification criteria.

Repeals the definition of "lawful permanent resident" in Arkansas Code § 6-85-204(12).

Replaces residency requirements with a simpler standard requiring applicants to have resided in Arkansas for the last 3 consecutive years and within the last 5 years either graduated from a public or private high school in the state or received a high school equivalency diploma in the state.

Allows residency evidence to include information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or subsequent federal financial aid applications rather than requiring specific documents like voter registration or driver's licenses.

Provides military service exception allowing the Department of Higher Education to exclude months of military deployment outside Arkansas when calculating the 12-month residency period for applicants or their parents/guardians.