Arkansas House Bill HR1012

Arkansas 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/10/24
• Failed: 5/9/24
• Refer: 4/10/24

Caption

To Amend The Rules Of The House Of Representatives Of The Ninety-fourth General Assembly.

Impact

The resolution is designed to centralize the legislative process concerning health insurance and other related cost obligations, ensuring that these matters are considered early in the legislative session. By enforcing a defined timeline and requiring substantial legislative consensus for belated introductions, HR1012 seeks to improve operational efficiencies within the General Assembly. Critics may argue this limits flexibility in addressing emergent health policy issues that could arise late in the legislative session, potentially impeding timely responses to urgent public health needs.

Summary

House Resolution 1012 aims to amend the rules governing the introduction of bills related to the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program and other health benefit plans managed by the state. The resolution stipulates that any bill imposing new or increased cost obligations on these programs must be introduced within the first fifteen days of a regular session. If the bill is introduced after this period, it requires approval from a three-fourths vote of the full membership in both houses. This aims to streamline legislative processes pertaining to health benefit programs, enhancing the predictability of legislative actions and decisions regarding state obligations.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HR1012 include concerns regarding local versus state authority in managing health plans and fiscal responsibilities. Opposition may arise from members who believe that strict deadlines can undermine the legislative ability to adapt to evolving health policy landscapes. Moreover, the emphasis on fiscal impact statements for bills altering cost obligations poses a burden on lawmakers to justify any financial implications, potentially stalling significant health-related initiatives due to procedural delays.