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HB 1013

Designation of state nickname.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by J.D. Prescott

HB 1013 aimed to protect individuals' rights to access fertility treatments in Arkansas, ensuring coverage and support for patients, providers, and insurers.

First reading: referred to Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform
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Bill Summary · HB 1013

Summary of House Bill 1013: Protecting Fertility Treatment Rights

Bill Number: HB 1013
Introduced On: November 20, 2024
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025
Legislative Session: 95th General Assembly, Regular Session, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1013 was introduced to safeguard the rights of individuals seeking fertility treatments in Arkansas. The bill aimed to ensure that individuals have the right to access fertility treatments that adhere to widely accepted and evidence-based medical standards. The legislation sought to establish clear rights for patients, healthcare providers, insurers, and manufacturers involved in fertility treatment.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the addition of a new subchapter to the Arkansas Code, specifically addressing fertility treatment rights. Key provisions included:

Definitions

  • Fertility Treatment: Defined to include various procedures such as:

    • Preservation of human oocytes, sperm, or embryos.
    • Artificial insemination methods.
    • Assisted reproductive technologies (e.g., in vitro fertilization).
    • Genetic testing of embryos.
    • Medications related to fertility.
    • Gamete donation.

  • Healthcare Provider: Defined as any entity or individual licensed to deliver fertility treatments.

  • Healthcare Insurer: Defined as any licensed insurance company providing coverage for fertility treatments.

Individual Rights

Individuals would have the right to:
1. Receive fertility treatment without limitations.
2. Continue ongoing fertility treatments.
3. Make decisions regarding reproductive genetic material.
4. Establish contracts with healthcare providers for services related to fertility.

Healthcare Provider Rights

Healthcare providers would have the right to:
1. Provide or assist with fertility treatments.
2. Continue lawful fertility treatments.
3. Manage reproductive genetic material in accordance with standards of care.

Healthcare Insurer and Manufacturer Rights

  • Insurers would have the right to cover fertility treatments.
  • Manufacturers would have the right to legally market and distribute fertility-related drugs and devices.

Enforcement Mechanisms

The bill included provisions for individuals or entities adversely affected by violations of these rights to initiate civil actions. Courts could award equitable relief and reasonable attorney's fees to prevailing plaintiffs.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1013 would have significantly impacted:
- Patients: Ensuring access to a range of fertility treatments without undue restrictions.
- Healthcare Providers: Protecting their ability to offer evidence-based fertility services.
- Insurers: Mandating coverage for fertility treatments in line with established medical standards.
- Manufacturers: Allowing for the legal distribution of fertility-related medical products.

Legislative Timeline

  • November 20, 2024: Bill filed.
  • January 13, 2025: Bill read and referred to the Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee.
  • January 16, 2025: Bill placed on second reading, amended, and reported correctly engrossed.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

In summary, HB 1013 aimed to create a comprehensive framework to protect and promote fertility treatment rights in Arkansas, although it ultimately did not progress through the legislative process.

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

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