On Friday, the House approved the Arkansas Future Grant Program. This program would essentially pay for a student’s Associate’s Degree by providing up to $3,500 a year for 5 semesters. It is limited to Arkansas high school graduates or those who have lived in the state for the previous 3 years.
To qualify, students must be pursuing a STEM related or other high demand field of study. Students must also agree to 15 hours of community service per semester and work in the state for a minimum of three years upon completion of the degree.
The cost of this is covered by redirecting funds from two existing grant programs.
The House voted in favor of a bill to require tax revenues from medical marijuana be used to first repay the state for the programs which administer and enforce medical marijuana regulations. The remaining funds would be directed to general revenue. Members also voted in favor of legislation allowing the Medical Marijuana Commission to regulate advertising and marketing.
The House will reconvene on Monday at 1:30 p.m.