HB1696

House Bill 1696, titled the 'Strengthening Arkansas Education Act,' mandates a standardized 'requisite core curriculum' at all state-supported institutions of higher education in Arkansas starting in the fall of 2027. The bill requires students to complete 15 semester credit hours of specific introductory survey courses, including communication, critical thinking and logic, American history, and American government. It aims to ensure that these general education requirements are fully transferable between all public postsecondary institutions in the state. The legislation also repeals previous statutes regarding core curriculum exemptions and replaces existing oversight mechanisms for general education with this new framework. While it allows for some exceptions for Applied Science degrees and competency-based programs, the core requirements in American history and government remain mandatory for all students. The stated legislative intent is to foster a shared knowledge of American history, ideals, and institutions among undergraduate students.