AR SB417

Repeals affirmative action program requirements for state-supported higher education institutions, including mandates for recruitment plans targeting African-Americans and minorities for faculty, staff, and student enrollment

Eliminates the Institutional Energy Research Committee and the Arkansas Energy Summary and Report that coordinated energy research across state universities

Removes the requirement for higher education institutions within a 25-mile radius of each other to enter written agreements addressing duplication of services

Expands construction project exemptions exceeding $5 million to Arkansas Tech University and all state-supported two-year colleges, replacing the previous list of specific institutions

Removes Building Authority Division review requirements for certain property transfers and lease agreements by higher education institutions, and eliminates the mandate for institutions to submit contract amendment summaries to the Legislative Council