(a)

1. (1) Pursuant to Acts 2021, No. 725, an applicant may receive a waiver of the initial licensure fee, if eligible.

2. (2) Eligible applicants are applicants who:

   1. (A) Are receiving assistance through the:

(i) Arkansas, or current state of residence equivalent, Medicaid Program;

1. (ii) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program;

   1. (iii) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children;

      1. (iv) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program; or
      2. (v) Lifeline Assistance Program;
   2. (B) Were approved for unemployment benefits within the last twelve (12) months; or
   3. (C) Have an income that does not exceed two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty income guidelines.

(b) Applicants shall provide documentation as follows:

1. (1) For Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program, or Lifeline Assistance Program, documentation from the Department of Human Services, or current state of residence equivalent agency;
2. (2) For unemployment benefits approval in the last twelve (12) months, documentation from the Division of Workforce Services, or current state of residence equivalent agency; or

3. (3)

   1. (A) For the income provision in subdivision (a)(2)(C) of this section, a signed affidavit confirming that he or she has an income that does not exceed two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty income guidelines, as established by the United States Government.

   2. (B) The applicant may be required by the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy to submit income tax related documents for verification purposes.

      1. (c) The waiver does not include fees charged for the CPA exam or criminal background checks.