AR HB1551

Repeals Arkansas Code § 6-61-507, which required the State Community College Board to conduct a feasibility study for proposed community college districts.

Amends § 6-61-505(c)(2)(A) to remove the reference to feasibility study requirements when establishing criteria for community college districts.

Adds an exception under § 6-61-520(g) allowing institutions that convert to community colleges under § 6-53-401 et seq. and are controlled by a university system board of trustees to operate without establishing a separate local board.

Modifies § 6-61-508(3) to clarify that district certification requirements remain in place and specifies conditions for creating districts without local millage through existing facilities, contributions, endowments, or other methods for at least the first 5 years.

Updates § 6-61-1002(1) to define "board of trustees" as the university system board when a community college is controlled by that system and no separate local board is required.