Arkansas Senate Bill SB141

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/25
• Refer: 1/29/25
• Failed: 5/5/25

Caption

To Eliminate Funding To The Arkansas Center For Health Improvement.

Impact

The implications of SB141 could be profound, especially concerning public health programs previously supported by the ACHI. The removal of funding could jeopardize various health improvement initiatives and research projects that rely heavily on state financial assistance. Furthermore, the bill specifies that any existing contracts that utilize state funds must not be renewed, effectively putting an end to ongoing support and potentially leading to disruptions in service delivery to the communities that benefit from these health programs.

Summary

Senate Bill 141 seeks to eliminate all state funding to the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI). This legislation aims to prohibit any state agency from using state funds for grants or contracts with the ACHI, which has been a significant source of public health initiatives and research funding in the state. The bill mandates that state agencies must certify in writing that no state moneys are being utilized for the ACHI, thereby establishing a clear separation of state resources from the organization.

Contention

The bill has sparked debate surrounding the role of the ACHI and its contributions to public health in Arkansas. Supporters argue that state funding should be diverted towards other pressing health priorities or directly into the community, while critics assert that the elimination of funding could undermine critical health services. This division reflects broader discussions about fiscal responsibility and the appropriate allocation of state resources, particularly in response to the evolving healthcare landscape and public health needs.