On Tuesday, the House passed SB248. This bill creates the Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship Program. The bill states that a student is eligible to receive an Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship if the student receives the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and demonstrates financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Plus Scholarship would be awarded in $1,000 increments per student per academic year.
The House also passed HB1576. The bill establishes the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act. It states a school district administrator, board member, teacher, or employee shall not discriminate against a student based on the student's natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle. This bill also prohibits the discrimination of natural, protective, or cultural hairstyles at state-supported two and four-year institutions of higher education.
In addition, the House passed SB401 and HB1629.
SB401 allows a law enforcement official at the receiving criminal detention facility to take a rapid DNA sample of a person arrested for any felony offense.
"Rapid DNA technology" means the fully automated, hands-free process of developing a DNA profile from a reference sample mouth swab in 1 to 2 hours without the need for a DNA laboratory or human interpretation.
HB1629 amends the Rabies Control Act related to the confinement of an animal when a person is bitten. It allows owners to confine the animal at home rather than in a facility or shelter if the owner can provide proof of current vaccinations.
The House will reconvene on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.