Arkansas House Bill HR1079

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/23
• Refer: 4/3/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Passed: 4/5/23

Caption

To Recognize That Fees For Registry Identification Cards For Qualifying Patients Cause A Financial Strain For Persons And To Request The Department Of Health Promulgate Rules To Ease The Financial Burden.

Impact

If enacted, HR1079 proposes that the Department of Health implement rules that would extend the renewal period for registry identification cards from one year to two years without increasing the associated fees. Additionally, it calls for a 50% discount on the fees specifically for seniors and veterans. These recommendations could alleviate the financial strain faced by many qualifying patients and potentially increase participation in the medical marijuana program, which started with a projected enrollment of 30,000 but currently exceeds 92,000 active cardholders.

Summary

House Resolution 1079 (HR1079) seeks to address the financial burden associated with the application and renewal fees for registry identification cards for qualifying patients in Arkansas' medical marijuana program. The resolution recognizes that these fees can impose significant financial strain, particularly on seniors and military veterans, who are key demographics within this patient population. By acknowledging this issue, HR1079 aims to advocate for changes that would improve the accessibility of medical marijuana for vulnerable groups.

Contention

While there is strong support for HR1079 among advocates for seniors and veterans, there could be potential points of contention among stakeholders regarding the funding and administrative implications of implementing the proposed fee changes. Opponents might raise concerns over the implications of reduced fees on program revenue and the necessary adjustments to administrative processes within the Department of Health. There may also be broader debates about access to healthcare and the prioritization of resources for different patient populations.