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Bill Summary · HB 1363

Summary of House Bill 1363 (HB 1363)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1363 (HB 1363) aims to make technical corrections to Title 25 of the Arkansas Code, which pertains to state government operations. The bill seeks to update and clarify various provisions, repeal obsolete language, and ensure that references to state entities are accurate and current.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments and repeals, which can be summarized as follows:

  1. Emergency Relocation of Government Seat:

    • Amends Arkansas Code § 25-1-101(b) to clarify that official acts performed at an emergency temporary location are valid, ensuring continuity of government operations during emergencies.
  2. Machine-Readable Privacy Policies:

    • Repeals outdated requirements for state and local government websites to incorporate machine-readable privacy policies by a past deadline (July 1, 2004) as stated in Arkansas Code § 25-1-114(a).
  3. Health Disparities Collaboration:

    • Repeals provisions in Arkansas Code § 25-1-120(d)(2) and (3) that are no longer relevant, including deadlines for planning meetings and reports that have long passed.
  4. Cybersecurity Policies:

    • Clarifies the role of the State Cyber Security Office in Arkansas Code § 25-1-128, requiring state entities to submit cybersecurity policies for approval every even-numbered year.
  5. Repeal of Obsolete Language:

    • Multiple sections (e.g., Arkansas Code § 25-10-104(a), § 25-16-903) are amended or repealed to remove references to entities that no longer exist or to clarify outdated language regarding state boards and their stipends.
  6. Effective Dates and Authority:

    • Updates the effective date provisions for expense reimbursement and stipends for state boards, ensuring that the guidelines are clear and applicable.

Who Would Be Affected

The bill primarily impacts:
- State Agencies and Local Governments: They will need to update their practices and policies in accordance with the clarified provisions.
- Cybersecurity Entities: The bill emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity policies, affecting how state entities manage their technology resources.
- General Public: By ensuring that government operations can continue seamlessly during emergencies and that outdated regulations are removed, the bill indirectly benefits Arkansas residents.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: January 31, 2025
  • Passed: The bill was read multiple times and passed in both the House and Senate by February 20, 2025.
  • Enrolled: The bill was correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office on February 20, 2025.
  • Act Status: As of February 25, 2025, HB 1363 is now designated as Act 179.

Conclusion

HB 1363 serves as an important legislative measure to modernize and clarify existing laws within the Arkansas Code. By addressing outdated references and ensuring accurate language, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of state government operations.

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

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