IN STATE TUITION FOR ILLEGALS BACK!

SB981, a bill similar to HB1525, was filed on the last day to file bills by Senator Wilkins and will be in the Education Committee March 7th at 10am. It is #45 on the list so I can't say if it will be up for a vote, but I would suggest calling the Senators ASAP. Here are the members of the Committee:

In Session Phone:501-682-2902
Out of Session Phone:501-682-6107

Sen. Jim Argue, Chair
Sen. Dave Bisbee, Vice Chair
Sen. Gilbert Baker
Sen. Jimmy Jeffress
Sen. Steve Bryles
Sen. Kim Hendren
Sen. Shane Broadway
Sen. Gene Jeffress

Here is the text of the bill:
Stricken language would be deleted from and underlined language would be added to the law as it existedprior to this session of the General Assembly.

2007 SENATE BILL 981 By: Senator Wilkins
For An Act To Be Entitled ACCESS TO POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION ACT OF 2007; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Subtitle ACCESS TO POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION ACT OF 2007. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS:

Whereas, there are children of undocumented immigrants who have lived in Arkansas most of their lives; and
Whereas, most of these children have spent their formative years in Arkansas elementary and secondary schools; and
Whereas, many of these children have proven their academic ability by graduating from an Arkansas high school; and
Whereas, many of these children are precluded from accessing an29 affordable college education because they do not qualify for in-state tuition30 rates or state-supported scholarships; and
Whereas, educational opportunities should be offered to all children they may contribute to the future economic viability of Arkansas,
NOW THEREFORE, SB981 03-05-2007 15:22 JSE356SECTION 1. (a) This act shall be known as the “Access 1 s to2 Postsecondary Education Act of 2007”.3 (b) Any tuition rate that is granted to residents of Arkansas shall be4 granted on the same terms to all persons, regardless of immigration status,5 who have attended a secondary educational institution in Arkansas for at6 least three (3) years and who have either graduated from an Arkansas high7 school or received a general education diploma in the state.8 (c) In addition to the requirements under subdivision (b) of this9 section, a student without documented status shall file an affidavit with the10 state-supported institution of higher education stating that the student has11 an intent to legalize his or her immigration status.12 (d) The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall promulgate13 the rules necessary for implementation of this act.
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Also, I don't see HB2120 on any agenda so I can't confirm if it will be in the Committee tommorrow. HB1577, which deals with obtaining a driver's license, will be discussed in the Transportation committee. There is also a complete immigration reform bill being worked on. I will be at the State Capitol tommorrow to see what is going on.