TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "APPROVED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION".

HB 1480 proposed to expand the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program by updating the definition of "approved institution of higher education" to include vocational-technical schools, technical institutes, and specific training programs like the Arkansas Fire Training Academy. The bill required vocational-technical schools and technical institutes to be bonded and insured to qualify for the scholarship program. This change would have directly affected students seeking scholarships at these newly included institutions, particularly those pursuing certificate-based training. The bill was withdrawn by its author on March 18, 2025, before moving forward.