To Amend Initiated Act 1 Of 2000, Also Known As The Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act; And To Direct The Arkansas Minority Health Commission To Establish And Administer A Grant Program For School-based Health Centers.
Impact
The amendments introduced by HB1723 will have significant implications on state laws governing the allocation of funds derived from the Tobacco Settlement. By specifying a portion of these funds for school-based health initiatives targeting minority-majority areas, the bill aims to enhance public health outcomes and reduce healthcare disparities. This focused investment suggests a legislative commitment to addressing the specific health needs of minority populations within Arkansas, aligning with broader public health goals.
Summary
House Bill 1723 proposes amendments to Initiated Act 1 of 2000, known as the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act. The bill aims to direct the Arkansas Minority Health Commission to establish and administer a grant program specifically for school-based health centers located in minority-majority school districts. This initiative seeks not only to distribute funds for the health centers but also to enhance healthcare access in underserved communities. The proposed annual funding for this program is set at $500,000, aimed at improving the health resources available within these districts.
Contention
While the bill has the potential to provide crucial support for school-based health centers in minority-majority districts, there may be differing opinions on the prioritization of funding. Advocates for the bill argue that it is a necessary intervention to ensure equitable healthcare access, particularly in communities that have historically experienced health disparities. Conversely, opposition could arise from stakeholders who believe that funding should be distributed more broadly rather than being restricted to specific populations, raising questions about inclusive health policy and resource allocation across all demographics in the state.
An Act For The Arkansas Minority Health Initiative Of The Department Of Health - Arkansas Minority Health Commission Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.
An Act For The Arkansas Minority Health Initiative Of The Department Of Health - Arkansas Minority Health Commission Appropriation For The 2023-2024 Fiscal Year.
To Amend Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, ยง 14, And Arkansas Law To Provide That Lottery Proceeds May Be Used For Scholarships And Grants To Arkansans Enrolled In Vocational-technical Schools And Technical Institutes.
To Amend The Law Concerning Campaign Finance And Campaign Finance Reports; To Amend The Law Concerning The Arkansas Ethics Commission; And To Amend Portions Of Initiated Act 1 Of 1990 And Initiated Act 1 Of 1996.
To Terminate The Arkansas Health And Opportunity For Me Program; And To Transfer All Beneficiaries In The Arkansas Home And Opportunity For Me Program To The Traditional Arkansas Medicaid Program.
To Prohibit Gifts From Lobbyists To Cabinet-level Department Secretaries; To Amend The Law Concerning The Arkansas Ethics Commission; And To Amend The Law Resulting From Initiated Act 1 Of 1988.