HB1833

House Bill 1833 amends the admissions criteria and seat allocation process for the University of Arkansas College of Medicine. The bill shifts from a population-based percentage allocation model for the first 150 freshman medical school seats to a fixed-position allocation model. Specifically, it mandates that 25 positions be allocated to each of the state's congressional districts and provides an additional 25 positions specifically for Arkansas residents. The bill establishes a hierarchy for filling vacant spots: if the district-specific or state-resident quotas are not met by qualified applicants, the positions are to be offered to other Arkansas residents, then to applicants with ties to Arkansas, and finally to those most likely to complete the program and remain in the state. It also maintains a provision allowing the college's board to alter these percentages only if necessary to maintain institutional accreditation. The primary goal is to prioritize Arkansas residents for medical school enrollment.