News from the South - Arkansas News Feed
Arkansas lawmakers send higher education bill to governor’s desk
Arkansas lawmakers send higher education bill to governor’s desk
by Antoinette Grajeda, Arkansas Advocate
March 18, 2025
Legislation that would overhaul the state’s higher education system awaits the governor’s signature following the approval of identical bills by the Arkansas Legislature on Monday.
Arkansas ACCESS, a legislative priority for Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, would make changes to the state’s funding model, scholarships, course credits and the admissions process, among other things.
After Republicans Sen. Jonathan Dismang of Searcy and Rep. Matthew Shepherd of El Dorado filed Senate Bill 246 and House Bill 1512 last month, the legislation continued to be “a work-in-progress” for weeks, House Speaker Rep. Brian Evans, R-Cabot, told the Advocate Monday.
“We had a lot of input from stakeholders, both from higher ed to the public, and feel like the end result is a very good compromise piece of legislation,” Evans said. “It looks like the support in both the House and the Senate has been very strong. There’s even been some bipartisan support on that, so we appreciated that understanding.”
Speaking from the House floor Thursday, Rep. Lincoln Barnett, D-Hughes, said even though he appreciated parts of Arkansas ACCESS, the legislation should have been run separately instead of a large 123-page bill, which allows lawmakers “to sneak in the bad along with the good.”
Arkansas ACCESS reduces the size and membership of a variety of boards and councils, and Barnett said he was particularly concerned about the removal of “critical stakeholders” from a council designed to close the achievement gap.
“This bill aims to erase and ignore continued realities of existing disparities when it comes to the field of education,” Barnett said. “…I am strongly opposed to this bill for the manner in which it was run. The process has been rushed. Input from others was sought on the back end rather than on the front end, and voices of our youth, our educators and key stakeholders have been ignored or at best, half-listened to.”
Several students voiced their displeasure during last week’s Joint Education Committee meeting over a prohibition on granting excused absences to public high school and college students who participate in political protests or attempts to influence legislation or other governmental policymaking.
As someone who visited the Legislature as a teenager, Evans said he understood the importance of involving youth in the process of the General Assembly. The implications of the bills’ original language “was an unintended consequence,” he said.
“I think there were some House members that felt like that may need to have been amended in order so that we could encourage and let it be a part of a field trip, let it be a part of coming and seeing the process of how legislation moves, special events, special interest topics…it would have just been an error in not allowing that, so I think it was good to get those discussions,” Evans said.
Higher education bill receives initial approval from Arkansas lawmakers
The committee did adopt an amendment presented by the bill’s sponsors that would allow high school students to be granted an excused absence for engaging in governmental policymaking with parental consent. School districts would also be required to submit an annual report to the state education department on the absences.
The amendment left the original prohibition intact for college students, who also could be found liable for property damage that occurs during a protest. Under the legislation, students would not receive their degree or credential, or have their credits transferred to another Arkansas school until they pay for the damaged property.
Additional provisions of the legislation include a focus on “accelerated learning” that will expand high school students’ access to courses beyond the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. The legislation also has provisions aimed at supporting participation in concurrent credit courses that allow high school students to take courses for college credit.
As part of an effort to streamline participation in higher education, Arkansas ACCESS proposes creating a universal college application, a common-course numbering system among state institutions and a program that would establish provisional admission to students who meet basic standards.
Both the Arkansas House and Senate approved Arkansas ACCESS Monday without discussion.
Reporter Tess Vrbin contributed to this report.
Help us keep Arkansas government in the daylight during Sunshine Week.
Arkansas Advocate is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Arkansas Advocate maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sonny Albarado for questions: info@arkansasadvocate.com.
The post Arkansas lawmakers send higher education bill to governor’s desk appeared first on arkansasadvocate.com
News from the South - Arkansas News Feed
78-year-old man drowns after falling off dock at Beaver Lake, officials say
SUMMARY: A family celebration at Beaver Lake turned tragic when 78-year-old Frederick Lear fell into the water off his dock near Tomahawk Trail on Friday evening. Neighbor Charles Main witnessed the incident and heard Lear’s wife screaming for help. Neighbors quickly responded by boat, while others directed first responders to the location. Park Rangers arrived within seven minutes, followed by the Benton County Sheriff’s dive team. Main suspects Lear may have fallen between the dock and a boat lift, possibly hitting his head and losing consciousness. The Avoca Fire Department is leading the investigation into the drowning, marking a heartbreaking end to the holiday gathering.
78-year-old man drowns after falling off dock at Beaver Lake, officials say
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News from the South - Arkansas News Feed
Staying safe on July 4th at Beaver Lake Arkansas
SUMMARY: Safety is crucial at Beaver Lake, Arkansas, during the July 4th holiday as boating, swimming, and fireworks celebrations often lead to emergencies. Fire officials warn about dehydration, accidents from falling off boats or tubes, and collisions. Boaters are urged to check safety gear, stay calm if someone falls overboard, and keep vigilant 360-degree awareness. Families emphasize using floatation devices and sunscreen, especially for children. Visitors are reminded to maintain safe distances from other boats and watch out for those being towed. Law enforcement will patrol both roads and water, warning against drinking and driving to ensure a safe holiday.
Staying safe on July 4th at Beaver Lake Arkansas
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News from the South - Arkansas News Feed
Real-life Uncle Sam's descendants live in Arkansas
SUMMARY: Uncle Sam, the iconic personification of the U.S. government, was inspired by a real man named Sam Wilson, a meatpacker from Troy, New York, born in 1766. His barrels labeled “U.S.” led locals to joke it stood for “Uncle Sam,” birthing the legend. Helen Painter of Conway, Arkansas, is a direct descendant, a fact confirmed in 2015 through genealogy research by MyHeritage. Helen’s family now actively honors their ancestor, with Helen speaking at celebrations in Troy each Independence Day. She reflects on the enduring patriotism inspired by Sam Wilson, while her son, Troy, a nearly 30-year Navy veteran, proudly displays Uncle Sam imagery.
An Arkansas family is sharing their experiences as descendants of America’s mascot.
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