Arkansas Senate Bill SB516

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/23
• Refer: 3/28/23

Caption

To Amend The Membership Of The Board Of Developmental Disabilities Services.

Impact

The primary impact of SB516 on state law pertains to the governance and oversight of developmental disabilities services provided by the Arkansas Department of Human Services. By revising the membership requirements and structure of the Board, the bill aims to enhance the board's responsiveness to the needs of those with developmental disabilities. It seeks to improve the legitimacy of the board by ensuring that its composition reflects a wider demographic, potentially leading to more informed and representative decision-making regarding statewide services.

Summary

Senate Bill 516 amends the existing structure and membership composition of the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services in Arkansas. The bill stipulates that the board will consist of seven members, including at least one woman, who are citizens and residents of Arkansas over the age of 25. Moreover, it mandates that one board member must be a resident from each of the six former congressional districts of Arkansas, and the seventh member will be a member at large. This change is aimed at ensuring diverse representation from various parts of the state, as well as individuals who engage with developmental disability services.

Contention

While the bill intends to improve representation on the board, potential contentions surrounding SB516 may include debates over the qualifications of board members and the appropriateness of requiring geographical representation. Critics may argue that focusing on district residency could detract from having members who are strictly qualified by expertise and experience in developmental disabilities. Furthermore, there could be discussions about the implications of the at-large member and the effect this has on board dynamics and accountability in addressing the needs of diverse communities across the state.