TO ESTABLISH THE STRENGTHENING ARKANSAS EDUCATION ACT; AND TO PROVIDE A CORE CURRICULUM AT STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

HB 1696 (now Act 566) requires all Arkansas state-supported colleges and universities to implement a standardized minimum general education core curriculum by fall 2027. This core curriculum must be fully transferable between all state institutions and apply toward associate and bachelor’s degree requirements. The law affects all students enrolled in Arkansas public higher education institutions, ensuring consistent foundational coursework regardless of which campus they attend. The bill establishes a unified framework for general education, streamlining course requirements for students transferring between schools. It passed both chambers and became law on April 14, 2025.