SB189

Senate Bill 189 amends the Arkansas Code to clarify and standardize the definition of 'intellectual and developmental disability' across multiple sections of state law. The bill replaces broad, descriptive language with specific diagnostic criteria, including medical examinations by primary care providers or licensed physicians for conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder. It establishes a specific threshold for intellectual disability based on a full-scale standard intelligence score of 70 or below, administered by a qualified professional. Additionally, the bill updates the criteria for what constitutes a substantial impairment in an individual's ability to function without support services, specifically noting activities like daily living, medical services, and employment. The bill also cross-references these updated definitions across sections 20-48-101, 20-48-202, and 20-48-603 to ensure consistency throughout the legal code.