Arkansas Senate Bill SR54

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/23
• Refer: 4/3/23
• Report Pass: 4/5/23
• Passed: 4/6/23

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

Specifically, SR54 requests two key changes: first, it proposes extending the renewal period for registry identification cards from one year to two years without increasing the associated fee. This change is intended to reduce the frequency of financial obligations for participants. Second, the resolution advocates for a 50% discount on the fee for seniors and veterans. This dual approach aims to make the medical marijuana program more accessible and affordable for those who may struggle financially.

Summary

Senate Resolution 54 (SR54) addresses the financial strain posed by application and renewal fees for registry identification cards for qualifying patients in Arkansas's medical marijuana program. The resolution highlights that these fees can be particularly burdensome for seniors and military veterans, who make up a significant portion of the participants in the program. The resolution calls on the Department of Health to alleviate this burden through specific rule changes.

Contention

The resolution arises in the context of increasing participation in the medical marijuana program since its inception in 2016. Initially projected to have around 30,000 participants, current estimates indicate over 92,000 active cardholders. Supporters of SR54 argue that the proposed changes will allow more patients to benefit from medical marijuana without being financially hindered, particularly important for vulnerable populations like seniors and veterans. However, any potential pushback or contention regarding the implementation of these changes is not explicitly documented in the materials reviewed.