AR SB249

Amends Arkansas Code § 6-82-601 to clarify the definition of "dependent" eligible for tuition waivers, including spouses, biological children, adopted children, legally adopted children, children under legal guardianship, and stepchildren of disabled veterans, prisoners of war, and those missing in action or killed in action.

Requires dependent children and spouses of qualifying veterans to be current residents of Arkansas, with stepchildren only eligible if legally adopted by the veteran or if the veteran has been appointed as their legal guardian.

Establishes a new funding mechanism for excess tuition waiver awards: when qualified students exceed available appropriations in the Higher Education Grants Fund Account, excess awards shall be funded from remaining funds after the Division of Higher Education awards Arkansas Academic Challenge, Workforce Challenge, and Concurrent Challenge Scholarships at levels equivalent to the previous academic year.

Amends Arkansas Code § 6-85-212(d)(6) to give priority for Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship awards to students who are dependents of individuals who were Arkansas residents when entering military service and were killed while performing military duty under specified federal or state active duty status.

Approved by the Governor on March 30, 2023.