TO REQUIRE CERTAIN REPORTING BY THE DESIGNATED PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY AGENCY FOR THE STATE AND THE DESIGNATED CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR THE STATE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tyler Dees and 1 co-sponsor

Act 481 mandates biannual reports from advocacy agencies on support for individuals with developmental disabilities, enhancing transparency and accountability in Arkansas.

Notification that HB1382 is now Act 481

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1382, now known as Act 481, aims to enhance the accountability and transparency of the designated Protection and Advocacy Agency and the Client Assistance Program in Arkansas. The bill mandates these agencies to provide regular reports to the Hospital, Medicaid, and Developmental Disabilities Study Subcommittee of the Legislative Council, focusing on their advocacy efforts for individuals with developmental disabilities living in home- and community-based settings.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

Biannual Reporting:

The designated Protection and Advocacy Agency and the Client Assistance Program are required to submit biannual reports to the Legislative Council and the Governor. These reports will detail their advocacy efforts for individuals with developmental disabilities living outside of institutional facilities.

Meeting Attendance:

The agencies must attend meetings of the Hospital, Medicaid, and Developmental Disabilities Study Subcommittee when requested.

Information Provision:

The agencies are obligated to provide any requested information to the Subcommittee in a timely manner, ensuring that it is submitted no later than the date specified by the Subcommittee.

Freedom of Information Act Compliance:

The bill clarifies that the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 applies to Disability Rights of Arkansas, Inc. or its successor organization, ensuring that the activities and reports of these agencies are accessible to the public.

Affected Entities

Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in home- and community-based settings.

Protection and Advocacy Agency: Disability Rights of Arkansas, Inc. or its successor organization will be directly impacted as they will have new reporting obligations.

Legislative Council: The Hospital, Medicaid, and Developmental Disabilities Study Subcommittee will play a crucial role in reviewing the reports submitted by the agencies.

Procedural Timeline

Introduced: February 3, 2025

Amendments: The bill underwent amendments, including significant changes on February 12, 2025, and March 20, 2025.

Passed: The bill was passed by the House and Senate and was correctly enrolled on April 3, 2025.

Enacted: The bill was signed into law and is now known as Act 481 as of April 8, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill 1382 (Act 481) establishes a framework for increased oversight and accountability of advocacy efforts for individuals with developmental disabilities in Arkansas. By requiring regular reporting and compliance with transparency laws, the bill aims to ensure that the needs and rights of these individuals are effectively represented and addressed.

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