AR SB232

Creates the "Freedom of Contract in Higher Education Act" as a new subchapter in Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 61, applicable to all public institutions of higher education in the state.

Establishes that tenure and tenure-track rules in effect when a faculty member receives an appointment notice or achieves tenure govern their employment relationship, and these rules cannot be retroactively applied to existing faculty.

Allows faculty members to voluntarily elect in writing to have new tenure rule amendments apply to their contracts, with such elections being irrevocable once made.

Applies the act to all existing contractual relationships, regardless of when faculty members were hired or granted tenure, and allows them to challenge institutional tenure rules adopted before the act's effective date.

Establishes penalties including Class A misdemeanor charges for negligent violations and allows affected faculty to sue in court for injunctive relief, court costs, and attorney's fees, with courts required to award these remedies if violations are found.