(a) It is the intent of this subchapter to:

(1) Provide one (1) source for obtaining the most accurate and complete criminal history information;

(2) Allow dissemination of criminal history information to employers, professional licensing boards, and any entity mandated by Arkansas law to perform background checks through the Department of Arkansas State Police pertaining to all felony arrest information and all conviction information;

(3) With the written consent of the student or prospective student, allow electronic dissemination of criminal history information to an institution of higher education for a student enrolled in, and a prospective student seeking enrollment in, a medical, nursing, pharmacy, or other health-related course of study at an institution of higher education located in Arkansas;

(4) Allow dissemination of criminal history information to the Arkansas Public Defender Commission for use in defense of criminal defendants. Expunged and sealed criminal history information shall be released to the commission only for the purposes of use for impeachment of witnesses; and

(5) Allow dissemination of criminal history information to the public upon proper request and payment without requiring the written consent of the subject of the request.

(b)

(1) The department shall be the agency responsible for the dissemination of criminal history information under this subchapter.

(2) The Arkansas Crime Information Center may disseminate criminal history information as authorized by law.

(c) Felony arrest information that has had a disposition of acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi entered into the central repository shall not be released under this subchapter.