Senate Bill 221 (SB 221) aims to prohibit specific contracting practices by risk-based provider organizations when they negotiate with direct healthcare service providers in Arkansas. The bill prevents these organizations from using "tying" tactics, which involve requiring a provider to contract for multiple services if they only agree to one, or penalizing them for declining certain services. It also prohibits discrimination against providers who refuse such terms. Violations of these provisions would be considered unfair trade practices, and any problematic contract clauses would be voided. The bill seeks to ensure fair negotiation for providers and protect access to healthcare for Medicaid beneficiaries, especially individuals with disabilities.
SJR 1 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution that would change the voting requirements for laws concerning public records and public meetings. If approved by voters, this amendment would require a three-fourths vote from each house of the General Assembly to enact, amend, or repeal such laws. This elevated threshold would apply to all relevant legislation, including the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, effective January 1, 2027.
Senate Bill 8 proposed a supplemental appropriation of $5,000,000 for the Department of Energy and Environment - Division of Environmental Quality. These funds were specifically designated for the Used Tire Recycling and Accountability Program for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. To provide these funds, the bill included a provision to transfer $5,000,000 from the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund to the Used Tire Recycling Fund. This was intended to supplement existing appropriations for the program's expenses.
Senate Bill 461 would have required Arkansas prisons, jails, and youth detention facilities to collect and report detailed data on the use of "segregation," defined as solitary confinement. The Department of Corrections, Division of Youth Services, and local detention facilities would have submitted quarterly reports to the Legislative Council. These reports would include information on the demographics of individuals in segregation, the reasons for their placement, the duration of their confinement, and incidents of self-harm or suicide. The bill also defined specific terms like "serious mental illness" to standardize reporting.
SB 465 would amend the Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003 to allow developers of "speculative development projects" to qualify for state and local sales and use tax refunds. A speculative development project is defined as a basic structure of at least 100,000 square feet, built for eventual sale or lease, requiring a minimum investment of $25 million. The bill also requires that if a qualified business seeks multiple financial incentive agreements for the same project under the Act, these agreements must be executed within 24 months of each other. This affects developers and businesses seeking various state incentives for large-scale, pre-leased or pre-sold construction projects.
House Bill 1982, titled the "Tire Management and Recycling Act," aims to update Arkansas's system for managing used tires. The bill renames and amends the "Used Tire Recycling and Accountability Act" to enhance standards for the hauling, collection, storage, and recycling or disposal of various tire types. It introduces an electronic uniform used tire manifest system and requires business plans to improve accountability and sustainability for used tire programs. Additionally, the legislation repeals the Used Tire Recycling Fund and establishes a new Waste Tire Abatement Fund to support these initiatives.
Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) proposes to repeal the existing statewide fluoridation program in Arkansas. If enacted, this bill would remove the current mandate for water systems serving 5,000 or more people to maintain a specific fluoride content in their water supply. It would eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and State Board of Health to set rules and requirements for water fluoridation, including permissible concentrations, necessary equipment, and testing procedures. Essentially, it would end the state requirement for public water systems to add fluoride to drinking water.
SJR 14 proposes a constitutional amendment concerning the method for determining the "true value in money" of real property in Arkansas for assessment purposes. If passed by the legislature, this amendment would be presented to the state's electors for approval or rejection at the next general election. If adopted by voters, it would modify the state's constitution regarding how real estate is valued for property tax assessments, directly impacting real property owners.
Senate Bill 274 proposed to create a sales and use tax exemption for specific items related to human burial in Arkansas. The bill would have exempted the first one thousand dollars ($1,000) of the purchase price of a casket, burial vault, or monument from state sales and use taxes. This provision was intended to reduce the tax burden for individuals purchasing these items. The exemption could also have been administered as a rebate.
SB 187 amends the composition of the Arkansas Medicaid Drug Utilization Review Board. This bill expands the types of healthcare professionals eligible for appointment to the board. Specifically, it adds physician assistants to the existing list, which includes physicians and advanced practice registered nurses. The board members must be licensed and practicing in Arkansas, and currently treating rare diseases or conditions.
SB 79 proposed changes to the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System (APERS) and the State Police Retirement System (SPRS). It would have allowed certain noncontributory members, including elected officials, who erroneously retired from both systems when changing employment to adjust their retirement date by filing an affidavit. Additionally, the bill aimed to permit members in the APERS Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) to change their selected retirement annuity one time, a choice previously irrevocable. This change would require an affidavit and, if applicable, repayment of any difference in benefits received.
Senate Bill 415 authorizes the Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to maintain a list of businesses that fail to pay wholesalers for petroleum products. Wholesalers can report delinquent payments to the DEQ, which will then "red-tag" the business, preventing it from receiving further petroleum deliveries. To be removed from the list, the delinquent business must pay the wholesaler using specific methods, and the wholesaler must notify the DEQ of the full payment. The bill also establishes a process for a delinquent business to dispute its placement on the list if it believes the delinquency is due to issues with the quality or quantity of the petroleum product.
