Arkansas House Bill HB1034

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/20/24
• Refer: 1/13/25

Caption

An Act For The Department Of Human Services - Division Of Aging, Adult, And Behavioral Health Services Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Appropriation.

Impact

Enactment of HB 1034 could significantly affect state laws relating to mental health service provision, particularly in terms of funding and resource allocation. The bill includes provisions for the transfer of funds from the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund to support the project, ensuring that the financial aspects comply with various state fiscal control laws. This investment reflects an acknowledgment of the state’s challenges in meeting mental health service demands and the commitment to enhancing mental health infrastructure.

Summary

House Bill 1034 aims to allocate funds for the construction of an additional State Behavioral Health Hospital, with a total appropriation not to exceed $250,000,000. This funding is provided specifically for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill addresses the increasing demand for mental health services and aims to enhance the capacity of the Department of Human Services' Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services. By creating an additional hospital, the state seeks to improve access to mental health care for its residents, thereby supporting broader public health initiatives.

Contention

There may be responses to HB 1034 from various stakeholders, particularly regarding the funding amount. Critics might raise concerns about the allocation of such a significant sum to a single project over other pressing needs in the community such as education or general health initiatives. Additionally, there could be discussions on the long-term operational funding for the new hospital, once constructed, as the bill primarily addresses construction costs without detailing ongoing financial support for staffing and services.