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HB 1920

TO TRANSFER GENERAL REVENUE TO THE AGING AND ADULT SERVICES FUND ACCOUNT TO BE USED FOR FOOD SERVICES BENEFITING THE ELDERLY; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Fran Cavenaugh and 2 co-sponsors

HB 1920 aimed to allocate $7 million to combat food insecurity for Arkansas seniors, funding meal services and grants for local programs, but was withdrawn before enactment.

WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1920

Summary of House Bill 1920

Bill Number: HB 1920
Title: To Transfer General Revenue to the Aging and Adult Services Fund Account to be Used for Food Services Benefiting the Elderly; and to Declare an Emergency
Status: Withdrawn by Author
Introduced: March 31, 2025
Sponsors: Representatives McClure and Cavenaugh, Senator Wallace

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1920 aimed to address food insecurity among the elderly population in Arkansas by establishing a pilot program funded through the transfer of general revenue. The bill sought to allocate up to $7 million to the Aging and Adult Services Fund Account specifically for food services benefiting senior citizens.

Key Provisions

  • Funding Allocation:

    • A total of $7 million would be transferred to the Aging and Adult Services Fund Account for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027.
    • 7% (up to $490,000) of the funds would be allocated to the Fight Senior Hunger Community Grant Match Program.
    • The remaining 93% would be divided equally between:
    • Raw food costs in accordance with the Nutrition Services Incentive Program.
    • Operating and labor costs for meal preparation and delivery.

  • Fight Senior Hunger Community Grant Match Program:

    • This program would allow counties, cities, and nonprofit organizations to apply for grants to provide meals to seniors.
    • Applicants must submit a plan to their local area agency on aging and demonstrate that they can cover at least 50% of the program costs through pledged funds.
    • The maximum state grant for any program would not exceed $20,000.

  • Emergency Clause: The bill included an emergency clause, making it effective on July 1, 2025, to align with the start of the grant program.

Impact

  • Target Population: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be senior citizens in Arkansas experiencing food insecurity. They would receive meals either through senior centers or home delivery services.
  • Fiscal Impact: The bill proposed a significant financial commitment from the state, with up to $7 million earmarked for addressing food insecurity among the elderly.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on March 31, 2025, and underwent several legislative actions:
    • April 1, 2025: Read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Revenue & Taxation.
    • April 7, 2025: Returned by the committee with a recommendation to pass as amended.
    • April 8, 2025: Withdrawn by the author before further consideration.

Conclusion

While HB 1920 was designed to provide essential food services to Arkansas's elderly population, it was ultimately withdrawn by the author before it could be enacted. The bill highlighted the ongoing issue of food insecurity among seniors and proposed a structured approach to mitigate this challenge through state funding and community involvement.

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

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