HB 1918 amends state law concerning legal tender, providing new options for financial transactions. It authorizes the establishment of a bullion depository, a facility designed to securely store precious metals such as gold and silver. Additionally, the bill permits the creation of an electronic system where digital transactions are backed by these stored precious metals. This offers individuals and businesses alternative methods for holding and exchanging value.
This bill, HB 1863, amends the Transportation Benefit Manager Act to establish new payment rules for ambulance services in Arkansas. It mandates that healthcare insurers and transportation benefit managers pay ambulance providers 250% of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule, Rural Rate for claims. Ambulance providers must accept this payment as full and are prohibited from "balance billing" patients for additional charges beyond their deductible, copayment, or coinsurance. The bill also requires the Arkansas Ambulance Association to annually collect and submit local government ambulance service rates to the Insurance Commissioner. An emergency clause makes the act effective immediately to address existing conflicts in ambulance service reimbursement rates.
HB 1817, also known as "Elijah's Law," establishes a statewide anaphylaxis policy for childcare facilities in Arkansas. The bill mandates the Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Health, to develop and implement this policy. This measure aims to provide clear guidelines and procedures for managing severe allergic reactions in childcare settings. It directly affects all licensed childcare facilities and the children they serve across the state.
House Bill 1807 amends the existing sales tax exemption for certain aircraft. It specifically targets aircraft held for resale and those used for rental or charter, clarifying which individuals or entities are eligible for this exemption. An amendment to the bill refined a provision by changing "resale, rental, lease, or charter" to "resale" in a specific section, thereby adjusting the scope of that particular part of the exemption.
House Bill 1902 updates the laws concerning marriage certificates and bonds in Arkansas, primarily affecting couples and their heirs who need to replace a lost, burned, or destroyed marriage certificate. The bill clarifies that the marriage license bond becomes void when the executed license is properly returned to the county clerk within 60 days. It establishes a new procedure for requesting a replacement certificate, requiring a notarized affidavit from both parties, a surviving party, or the heirs of deceased parties, depending on the circumstances. This replacement process carries a $10 fee, which also voids the original marriage license bond. The bill also repeals an older statute related to the restoration of marriage records.
HB 1965, known as the Arkansas Healthy Food Retail Act of 2025, establishes a program to provide financial incentives for healthy food retailers. This initiative aims to increase access to nutritious food for residents in underserved communities, including low-income and rural areas. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission will administer the Healthy Food Retailer Program, offering grants and loans to eligible for-profit and nonprofit retailers such as grocery stores and farmers' markets. These funds can support projects like new store construction, renovations, equipment, and workforce training. To qualify, retailers must commit to selling fresh produce and accept SNAP and WIC benefits, with the goal of improving public health and economic development.
House Bill 1917 amends the Arkansas Student-Athlete Publicity Rights Act, significantly changing how student-athletes in Arkansas institutions of higher education can be compensated for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The bill allows institutions and qualifying charitable organizations to facilitate, create, and directly compensate student-athletes for the commercial use of their publicity rights. It also clarifies that student-athletes receiving NIL compensation are not considered employees of their institution or athletic organizations. Additionally, the bill exempts NIL income from state income tax and establishes rules for contracts and professional representation. Student-athlete personal and financial information related to these agreements will be kept confidential.
House Bill 1954 creates the Arkansas Behavior Analyst Registration Act, establishing a system for registering individuals who practice behavior analysis independently in the state. This bill requires individuals to register with the Arkansas Psychology Board, submitting an application, fee, background check, and evidence of certification from recognized behavior analyst credentialing boards. It defines "registered behavior analyst" and outlines penalties for those who unlawfully present themselves as such without registration. The Arkansas Psychology Board is responsible for administering these provisions, including handling renewals, temporary registrations, and reciprocity with other jurisdictions.
House Bill 1898 reorganizes regulatory and enforcement functions within the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. It creates a new Regulatory Division and a Regulatory Enforcement Division, consolidating existing oversight for tobacco, alcohol, and medical marijuana. The bill merges the Alcoholic Beverage Control Enforcement Division and Arkansas Tobacco Control Enforcement Division into the new Regulatory Enforcement Division. Personnel within this new enforcement division will be designated as agents with statewide law enforcement authority to investigate violations related to tobacco, alcohol, medical marijuana, and gambling.
House Bill 1809 (HB 1809) expands the eligibility for the property tax exemption for disabled veterans. This bill allows a property to qualify as a homestead for this exemption even if it is owned by a trust or a limited liability company (LLC), rather than directly by the individual. This change directly affects disabled veterans who hold their primary residence through these types of legal entities.
HB 1834, now Act 816, generally aims to amend Arkansas law concerning the licensing and regulation of motor vehicles. During the legislative process, an amendment was adopted to delete Section 2 from the bill. Without the full text of the bill, the specific policy changes it enacts beyond this general scope cannot be detailed.
House Bill 1935 establishes a Modernization and Automation Tax Credit designed to encourage existing businesses within the state to invest in upgrading their operations. An amendment to the bill increases the maximum annual amount for this tax credit from $5 million to $25 million. To qualify for the credit, businesses must now submit a notice of intent to the relevant department before applying for incentives. Additionally, the proposed modernization or automation project must receive a positive cost-benefit analysis from the commission.
