HB 1961 would allow medical providers in Arkansas to temporarily withhold a patient's medical records for up to 30 days from the patient or their authorized representative. This is permitted if the provider reasonably believes immediate disclosure could negatively affect the patient's health or safety due to misinterpretation, requires time to review the information to prepare a treatment plan, and schedules a timely discussion with the patient. The temporary withholding must be for the minimum necessary period and ceases once the discussion occurs or the risk is no longer present. After this period, all applicable federal and state information-blocking laws apply, and the records must be released promptly.
HB 1403 sought to amend the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Act of 2021. The bill would have allowed nonhospital entities to serve as "community bridge organizations," expanding beyond the current requirement for these organizations to be hospital-based. These organizations aim to promote the health of mothers and infants and address health-related social needs, especially for Arkansans in rural areas. Nonhospital entities would have needed to meet specific conditions and criteria established by the Department of Human Services to administer these services.
Senate Bill 436 proposed to amend the Public School Choice Act of 2015, affecting students who transfer between public schools or districts. The bill aimed to modify the rules regarding these students' participation in extracurricular activities. While current law prohibits denying extracurricular participation solely based on a transfer, this bill would have allowed a receiving public school or district to prohibit a student who transfers for two consecutive years from participating in extracurricular activities for a period of 365 days.
SJR 5 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to repeal the office of Lieutenant Governor. If passed by the Arkansas General Assembly, this amendment would be submitted to the state's electors for approval or rejection at the next general election. If a majority of voters adopt the amendment, the position of Lieutenant Governor would be eliminated from the Arkansas Constitution, thereby changing the structure of the state government.
Senate Bill 212 proposes to establish a new Document Validity Division. This division, or the Secretary of State, would be authorized to issue subpoena requests to individuals. If an individual fails to comply with a subpoena, the Secretary of State can seek a court order to enforce it. The bill also provides for violations under this subchapter to be referred to the Attorney General's office for further investigation and action.
Senate Bill 452, had it passed, would have required contracts for the installation of wind turbines over 200 feet tall in Arkansas to include specific provisions for their maintenance and recycling. Starting January 1, 2026, these contracts would have needed to outline how the wind turbine would be maintained, recycled, and disposed of if the installing entity dissolved or could no longer maintain it. The entity installing or maintaining the turbine would also assume joint liability for any damages related to the failure to properly manage the turbine. Violations would be considered an unfair or deceptive trade practice, enforceable by the Attorney General.
Senate Bill 639, titled the "Arkansas Wind Energy Development Act," establishes a regulatory framework for wind energy facilities in Arkansas. The bill outlines standards and criteria for permitting, constructing, operating, and decommissioning these facilities. It aims to protect public health, safety, and welfare, while also addressing the interests of landowners by ensuring proper facility construction, decommissioning, and protection against hazards. Additionally, the act allows local governments to adopt consistent local legislation for wind energy facilities within their jurisdictions.
House Bill 1164 aims to allow physicians and healthcare providers to offer cognitive assessments to specific patients. The bill also mandates that insurance policies must cover these assessments for cognitive function for certain patients. An amendment clarifies that this coverage does not reduce or limit other existing benefits.
Senate Bill 154 aimed to amend the existing laws that govern the financial contributions made by members to various state retirement systems and Arkansas public employee retirement plans. This bill directly affects state employees and public employees who are part of these retirement systems. The provided bill text states its purpose is to modify these contribution laws, but it does not specify the particular changes or mechanisms that would alter the contribution amounts or methods.
Senate Bill 631 amends Arkansas law regarding hearings for the revocation of probation or a suspended sentence. It details the rights of defendants during preliminary and revocation hearings, ensuring they receive notice of the alleged violation and have the opportunity to present evidence and be represented by counsel. The bill introduces a new provision allowing revocation proceedings to be held in a different county or judicial district if a defendant on probation or a suspended sentence is arrested and charged with a violent felony in that different location, provided the court that originally imposed the sentence gives written consent. This aims to modify the jurisdictional rules for such cases.
House Bill 1495, as amended, establishes procedures for transferring a student's permanent school record when they move to a new school. The bill outlines that when a student transfers, their records are to be requested by the receiving institution. It includes a specific provision for foster children, mandating that the receiving public or private school must request and receive their education records according to an existing state statute.
Senate Bill 350 proposed to establish and fund state-supported Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces under the Office of the Prosecutor Coordinator for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill aimed to appropriate over $14 million from the State Central Services Fund for personal services and operating expenses. This funding would create 121 positions, including a Drug Task Force Coordinator and 120 task force employees such as commanders, agents, and administrative assistants. It also provided for the transition of employees from county to state funding, recognizing prior service for leave benefits, while noting that local task forces would still be responsible for some operational expenses.
