AR HB1854

Creates a Baccalaureate Degree Program within the Division of Higher Education by the end of the 2022-2023 academic year for state-supported two-year institutions to offer applied and workforce baccalaureate degrees in high-demand fields, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.

Requires the Division of Higher Education to work with the Department of Health, Arkansas State Board of Nursing, and other entities involved in applied or workforce education to establish and implement the program.

Directs the division to develop an application process by which state-supported two-year institutions may apply to participate in the program.

Permits two-year institutions offering baccalaureate degrees under this program to maintain their two-year status as long as baccalaureate degrees account for less than 10% of total degrees or certificates awarded.

Declares an emergency, citing the public health emergency's strain on the health system and nursing shortage, making the act effective immediately upon gubernatorial approval or expiration of the veto period.