HB 1347 Summary

• Creates the Financial Aid Appeals Committee within the Division of Higher Education, composed of five representatives, to administer a financial aid appeals process for students who lose scholarship or grant eligibility.

• Establishes eligibility criteria for appeals requiring applicants to be Arkansas residents, enrolled in an eligible postsecondary institution, in good standing, not under probationary restrictions, and submit appeals within two academic semesters of the initial decision.

• Authorizes the committee to approve proportionate financial aid awards limited to six credit hours within one semester for students who failed to maintain full-time enrollment or required grade point average, with no reimbursement for previous terms.

• Requires the committee to promulgate rules following the Arkansas Administrative Procedures Act, prescribe appeals application forms, determine applicant eligibility, and manage all appropriated funds for the program.

• Mandates annual reporting to the General Assembly on the number of appeals applications received and approved.