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HB 1614

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DESIGNATIONS RELATED TO CERTAIN CRIMINAL JUSTICE GRANT PROGRAMS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alan Clark and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1614 aimed to enhance oversight of federal crime victim funds in Arkansas, boosting support for victim services through a new advisory board and improved accountability.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1614

Summary of House Bill 1614

Bill Number: HB 1614
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning Designations Related to Certain Criminal Justice Grant Programs
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: February 27, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1614 aimed to amend existing laws regarding the administration and disbursement of funds related to various federal criminal justice grant programs in Arkansas. The bill sought to enhance oversight and support for organizations receiving these funds, particularly those focused on victim services.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to the Arkansas Code § 25-1-111, including:

  1. Designation Authority:

    • The Governor would have the authority to designate the state agency responsible for administering funds from the following federal acts:
      • Victims of Crime Act of 1984
      • Violence Against Women Act of 1994
      • Family Violence Prevention and Services Act
      • Sexual Assault Services Program

  2. Grant Advisory Board:

    • Establishment of a Grant Advisory Board to assist potential beneficiaries of the aforementioned grant programs. The board would:
      • Provide advice on grant processes and funding.
      • Hear grievances from beneficiaries.
      • Require timely notifications from the designated state agency regarding any changes to rules or proposed rules.

  3. Review and Advice Requirement:

    • The designated state agency would be required to provide opportunities for the Grant Advisory Board to review and advise on grant processes before disbursing funds from the specified programs.

  4. Annual Reporting:

    • The Grant Advisory Board would be mandated to prepare and submit an annual report to the House and Senate Committees on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs, detailing the status of fund administration and disbursement.

  5. Composition of the Grant Advisory Board:

    • The board would include representatives from various organizations, including:
      • Coalition Against Sexual Assault
      • Arkansas State CASA Association
      • Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence
      • Other relevant advisory bodies to ensure diverse representation.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1614 would have impacted various stakeholders, including:

  • Victim Service Organizations: Enhanced support and oversight in accessing federal funds.
  • State Agencies: Increased accountability and procedural requirements for fund disbursement.
  • Grant Advisory Board Members: A structured role in guiding the allocation of critical resources for victim services.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 27, 2025: Bill filed and referred to the House Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
  • March 5, 2025: Committee recommended the bill for passage.
  • March 6, 2025: Bill passed the House and was transmitted to the Senate.
  • March 11, 2025: Amendment #1 adopted, changing reporting frequency from quarterly to annually.
  • March 13, 2025: Bill passed the Senate and returned to the House.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

In summary, HB 1614 was designed to improve the administration of critical federal funds aimed at supporting victims of crime in Arkansas, although it ultimately did not progress to enactment.

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

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