AN ACT FOR THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT APPROPRIATION.

HB 1493 appropriates nearly $14 million from Arkansas' Development and Enhancement Fund to support physical improvements at multiple state higher education institutions. The bill directly affects Arkansas Northeastern College, Arkansas State University campuses (Beebe, Mid-South, Mountain Home, Newport, and Three Rivers), and Black River Technical College, as well as Cossatot Community College. Key provisions fund specific projects like roof repairs ($1.35M for Arkansas Northeastern College), campus infrastructure upgrades ($2M for Arkansas State University-Beebe's Owen Center), technology enhancements ($450K for IT at Beebe), and solar energy systems ($1M for Newport's photovoltaic array). These funds address critical maintenance, deferred repairs, and equipment replacement across all listed institutions. The bill focuses on tangible facility improvements rather than policy changes.