Arkansas House Bill HR1001

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/13/25
• Report Pass: 1/15/25
• Passed: 1/21/25

Caption

To Adopt The Rules Of The House Of Representatives Of The Ninety-fifth General Assembly.

Impact

Should HR1001 become law, it will significantly affect current legislative processes surrounding health insurance obligations. It mandates that any proposed legislation altering costs must be accompanied by a fiscal impact statement. This requirement aims to provide legislators with detailed insights into the financial ramifications of their proposals, thus allowing for informed decision-making. This bill could enhance accountability but may also slow down the legislative process due to the additional requirements for financial documentation.

Summary

HR1001 is designed to establish procedures for introducing bills that affect the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program. The bill sets strict deadlines for when such legislation can be introduced, intending to increase oversight and provide a clear framework for financial obligations that could arise from new or modified health benefit plans. Specifically, any bill that imposes a new or increased cost obligation must be submitted within the first fifteen days of a regular session, ensuring that lawmakers can examine the potential impacts early in the legislative process.

Contention

Debate surrounding HR1001 may arise from various stakeholders concerned about the implications of restricting bill introduction timelines. Proponents argue that these measures will create a more robust examination of fiscal responsibilities, fostering responsible governance. Conversely, critics could contend that the new rules might limit legislative flexibility and responsiveness, particularly in urgent cases where health care needs arise unexpectedly. The contention centers on balancing thorough legislative review with the need for timely and adaptive governance.