(a) The Division of Higher Education shall provide a loan from the Higher Education Grants Fund Account that is in excess of the Southern Regional Education Board grant funds to any optometry student: (1) Who is bona fide resident of the state;(2) Who is enrolled in an optometry professional program outside the state; and(3) For whom any part of the out-of-state tuition is paid by the State of Arkansas through the Southern Regional Education Board grant funds.(b) A loan authorized by this section: (1) Shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) annually;(2) Shall be made:(A) On an annual basis not to exceed the combined total of four (4) years; and(B) At a rate of interest determined by the division, but not to exceed four percent (4%);(3) May be forgiven at the rate of one (1) year's loan for one (1) year's practice in Arkansas;(4) May be deferred, but for no longer than five (5) years, for the following reasons:(A) Military service;(B) Special training; or(C) Extraordinary circumstances as determined by the division; and(5) Shall be in addition to Southern Regional Education Board grant funds.Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2248, eff. 7/1/2019.Amended by Act 2019, No. y circumstances as determined by the division; and(5) Shall be in addition to Southern Regional Education Board grant funds.Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2248, eff. 7/1/2019.Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2247, eff. 7/1/2019.Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2246, eff. 7/1/2019.Acts 2007, No. 488, § 1.
Arkansas Legal Code