AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF HIGHER EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

This bill (SB 88, now Act 610) is an appropriations measure that increases funding for Arkansas' Division of Higher Education for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It raises the total appropriation from $68.55 million to $71.55 million by adding $3 million, including $5.5 million specifically for the new "Arkansas Heroes Scholarship" program. The bill directly affects public universities and colleges in Arkansas by increasing available funding for scholarships and grants. Key changes include replacing a $1.4 million allocation with $4.4 million for general scholarships and adding the new Heroes Scholarship line item. The bill modifies existing budget allocations without changing eligibility rules or creating new programs beyond the named scholarship.