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HB 1774

$DCEO-CALUMET CITY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Thaddeus Jones

HB 1774 expands the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission to improve the Silver Alert Program, enhancing responses to missing persons, especially vulnerable populations.

Rule 19(b) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1774

Summary of House Bill 1774 (HB 1774)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1774 (HB 1774) aims to enhance the response to missing persons cases in Arkansas by amending the existing framework of the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission. The bill seeks to improve the effectiveness of the Silver Alert Program, which is designed to quickly disseminate information about missing individuals, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with disabilities.

Key Provisions

  • Membership Changes: The bill proposes to expand the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission from seven (7) to thirteen (13) voting members. This change is intended to ensure a broader representation of stakeholders involved in housing and fair housing issues.

  • Appointment Process:

    • The Governor will appoint seven (7) members, subject to Senate confirmation.
    • The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives will each appoint three (3) members.

  • Qualifications:

    • Members must have relevant experience in real estate, homebuilding, mortgage lending, or related fields.
    • At least one member must represent individuals with disabilities, and another must be a fair housing attorney or advocate.

  • Term Length: Members will serve four-year terms, with provisions for staggered terms for initial appointees to ensure continuity.

  • Geographic Diversity: The bill emphasizes the need for the commission's membership to reflect the geographic diversity of Arkansas.

  • Meeting Requirements: The commission is required to meet at least quarterly to discuss issues related to fair housing and missing persons.

Impact

  • Affected Groups: The bill will impact various stakeholders, including:

    • Individuals involved in real estate and housing sectors.
    • Vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and individuals with disabilities, who may be at risk of going missing.
    • Law enforcement agencies that rely on the commission's guidance for effective responses to missing persons cases.

  • Funding and Resources: The bill includes provisions for appropriations to support the operations of the commission and the Silver Alert Program, although specific dollar amounts are not detailed in the current text.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:

    • Introduced on March 13, 2025.
    • Passed through various readings and committee approvals, with significant actions occurring in April 2025.
    • As of April 14, 2025, HB 1774 has been enacted as Act 562.

  • Related Legislation: The bill has a companion measure, Senate Bill 2305 (SB 2305), which may address similar issues or provide additional context to the legislative intent.

This summary provides an overview of HB 1774, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the potential impact on Arkansas's response to missing persons cases.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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