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Bill

HB 1402

RELATING TO CHILDREN.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Diamond Garcia

HB 1402 allocates $500,000 annually to establish a grant program for school-based health centers in minority-majority districts, improving children's health access.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · HB 1402

Summary of House Bill 1402 (HB 1402)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1402 (HB 1402) aims to amend the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act (Initiated Act 1 of 2000) in Arkansas. The primary intent of the bill is to establish and administer a grant program specifically for school-based health centers, focusing on minority-majority school districts. This initiative seeks to enhance health services available to children in these communities.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments and provisions:

  1. Amendment to the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act:

    • The bill modifies Arkansas Code § 19-12-110(c)(4) to allocate 23% of the funds from the Targeted State Needs Program Account to the Minority Health Initiative and the new grant program for school-based health centers.
    • It specifies that $500,000 annually will be designated for the grant program.

  2. Establishment of the Grant Program:

    • The Arkansas Minority Health Commission is tasked with establishing and administering the grant program for school-based health centers.
    • Funding will be directed exclusively to minority-majority school districts, defined as districts where racial or ethnic minorities comprise the majority of the student population.

  3. Regulatory Framework:

    • The Arkansas Minority Health Commission is required to create rules for the grant program that align with existing regulations for the Arkansas School-Based Health Center Grant Program.
    • The commission must file the final rules with the Secretary of State by January 1, 2026, or as soon as practicable after receiving necessary approvals.

Impact

  • Target Population: The bill primarily affects children in minority-majority school districts in Arkansas, aiming to improve their access to health services through school-based health centers.
  • Funding Allocation: The annual allocation of $500,000 is intended to support health initiatives that can lead to better health outcomes for students in these districts.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 4, 2025
  • Legislative Actions:
    • The bill was filed and read for the first time on February 4, 2025.
    • It was referred to the Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.
    • On February 18, 2025, the bill was withdrawn by the author.

Conclusion

HB 1402 represents a legislative effort to enhance health resources for children in minority-majority school districts in Arkansas. By establishing a dedicated grant program, the bill aims to address health disparities and improve access to essential health services in schools.

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

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