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SB 225

Education; discrimination on the basis of an individual's race due to a protective hairstyle, or length thereof, in any student dress or grooming policy; prohibit

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tonya Anderson and 16 co-sponsors

SB 225 sought to create a Medicaid category for Arkansans with sickle cell disease, improving access to specialized care and treatments for affected individuals.

Senate Read and Referred
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Bill Summary · SB 225

Summary of Senate Bill 225

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: SB 225
  • Title: To Require the Arkansas Medicaid Program to Provide a Category for Beneficiaries with Sickle Cell Disease
  • Status: Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment
  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 225 aimed to establish a specific category within the Arkansas Medicaid Program dedicated to beneficiaries diagnosed with sickle cell disease. The intent of the bill was to enhance access to necessary medical treatments and support for individuals suffering from this chronic condition.

Key Provisions

  • Creation of a New Medicaid Category:

    • The bill proposed an amendment to Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 77, Subchapter 1, to add a new section (20-77-154) specifically for sickle cell disease.
    • This new category would ensure that beneficiaries with a diagnosis of sickle cell disease receive tailored medical coverage and treatment options.

  • Federal Authorization:

    • The Arkansas Department of Human Services would be responsible for applying for any required federal waivers, Medicaid state plan amendments, or other authorizations necessary to implement the new coverage category.

Impact

  • Beneficiaries Affected:

    • The primary beneficiaries of this bill would have been individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease in Arkansas, who often face significant health challenges and require specialized care.

  • Healthcare Providers:

    • Healthcare providers treating patients with sickle cell disease would also be impacted, as the establishment of a dedicated Medicaid category could streamline the process for providing necessary treatments and services.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:
    • February 13, 2025: The bill was filed and read for the first time. Rules were suspended, and it was read a second time before being referred to the Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee in the Senate.
    • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress further in the legislative process.

Conclusion

While SB 225 aimed to address a critical healthcare need for individuals with sickle cell disease in Arkansas, it ultimately did not advance through the legislative process. The proposed changes could have provided essential support and resources for affected beneficiaries, highlighting the ongoing challenges in healthcare access for chronic conditions.

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

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