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SB 38

relative to state recognition of biological sex.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daryl Abbas and 10 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 38 allocates funds to Arkansas health licensing boards, ensuring they can effectively regulate professions and support public health through proper oversight.

Inexpedient to Legislate, Senate Rule 3-23, 10/31/2025; SJ 1
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Bill Summary · SB 38

Summary of Senate Bill 38 (SB 38)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 38 (SB 38) is a legislative measure aimed at appropriating funds for the operations of various licensing and regulatory boards under the Arkansas Department of Health for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill seeks to ensure that these boards have the necessary financial resources to effectively carry out their responsibilities, which include licensing professionals in health-related fields.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several key appropriations for different boards within the Department of Health:

  1. Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques

    • Total Appropriation: $11,000
    • Breakdown:
      • Operating Expenses: $2,999
      • Professional Fees: $8,001

  2. State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors

    • Total Appropriation: $31,966
    • Breakdown:
      • Regular Salaries: $7,400
      • Operating Expenses: $10,000
      • Professional Fees: $14,000

  3. Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training

    • Total Appropriation: $20,517
    • Breakdown:
      • Operating Expenses: $20,000

  4. Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners

    • Total Appropriation: $202,630
    • Breakdown:
      • Regular Salaries: $91,815
      • Operating Expenses: $60,000
      • Professional Fees: $12,672

  5. Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling

    • Total Appropriation: $454,415
    • Breakdown:
      • Regular Salaries: $225,143
      • Operating Expenses: $113,800
      • Professional Fees: $11,000

  6. Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners

    • Total Appropriation: $372,734
    • Breakdown:
      • Regular Salaries: $155,097
      • Operating Expenses: $119,637
      • Professional Fees: $42,126

  7. Arkansas Dietetics Licensing Board

    • Specific appropriations for this board were not detailed in the provided text.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision for the Arkansas State Medical Board to transfer $500,000 annually to the Graduate Medical Education Fund to support residency programs.

Who Would Be Affected

The bill primarily affects the following groups:
- Health Professionals: Individuals seeking licensure in acupuncture, counseling, chiropractic, dental, and athletic training fields will benefit from the operational support provided to the respective boards.
- Regulatory Boards: The boards themselves will receive the necessary funding to maintain their operations, ensuring they can effectively regulate and oversee their professions.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: January 13, 2025
  • Status: Enacted as Act 294 on July 3, 2025
  • Legislative Actions: The bill underwent multiple readings, amendments, and committee reviews before being passed and sent to the Governor.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 38 is a crucial piece of legislation that provides essential funding for the operational needs of various health-related licensing boards in Arkansas. By ensuring these boards are adequately funded, the bill aims to support the regulation of health professions and enhance the quality of care provided to the public.

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

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