HB1656

To Require A Report Concerning Funds Supporting Programs For Individuals Starting New Businesses Or Businesses Established Within The Previous Five Years.

Failed

Last Action (May 1, 2023): Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.

AI-Generated Summary

House Bill 1656 requires the Secretary of the Department of Commerce to submit an annual report regarding workforce development funding allocated to support new business ventures and organizations that assist businesses established within the previous five years. The report must specify both the total dollar amount of such funding and the percentage of total workforce development funding that is directed toward these purposes. This data must be submitted by January 1 of each year to the Governor, as well as the House and Senate Committees on Insurance and Commerce. The bill mandates that the first report be filed by January 1, 2025. The primary intent is to increase transparency and accountability regarding how state workforce resources are utilized to foster entrepreneurship and early-stage business growth.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries of this bill are state legislators, the Governor, and policy analysts who will gain clearer insights into how workforce development funds are distributed. Additionally, entrepreneurs and small business owners operating within their first five years may benefit indirectly if the increased transparency leads to more targeted or effective economic development strategies, or if it highlights gaps in current funding that the state may choose to address in the future.

Who Might Suffer?

There are no significant groups negatively impacted by this legislation in a direct manner. However, the Department of Commerce may face a minor administrative burden or increased operational costs associated with the annual data collection, analysis, and report preparation required to comply with the new mandate.

Vote Records

Third Reading

March 30, 2023

Yea: 84 Nay: 7 NV: 9 Absent: 0 Passed

View individual votes (100)

Legislator	Party	Chamber	Vote
Fred Allen	Democrat	House	NV
Lane Jean	Republican	House	Nay
Stephen Meeks	Republican	House	Yea
Mark Perry	Democrat	House	Yea
Jon Eubanks	Republican	House	Yea
Matthew Shepherd	Republican	House	NV
Jeff Wardlaw	Republican	House	Nay
Bruce Cozart	Republican	House	Yea
David Whitaker	Democrat	House	Yea
Deborah Ferguson	Democrat	House	Yea
Charlene Fite	Republican	House	Yea
Mike Holcomb	Republican	House	Yea
Stephen Magie	Democrat	House	NV
Mark McElroy	Republican	House	Yea
Josh Miller	Republican	House	NV
Richard Womack	Republican	House	Nay
Jack Ladyman	Republican	House	Yea
Robin Lundstrum	Republican	House	Yea
Dwight Tosh	Republican	House	Nay
Lanny Fite	Republican	House	Yea
Grant Hodges	Republican	House	Yea
Rick Beck	Republican	House	Yea
Mary Bentley	Republican	House	Yea
Les Eaves	Republican	House	Yea
Justin Gonzales	Republican	House	NV
Julie Mayberry	Republican	House	Nay
Ken Ferguson	Democrat	House	NV
Ron Mcnair	Republican	House	Yea
Milton Nicks	Democrat	House	Yea
Marcus Richmond	Republican	House	Yea
Vivian Flowers	Democrat	House	Yea
Deann Vaught	Republican	House	Yea
Karilyn Brown	Republican	House	Yea
Sonia Eubanks Barker	Republican	House	Yea
Frances Cavenaugh	Republican	House	Yea
Jack Fortner	Republican	House	Yea
Jimmie Gazaway	Republican	House	Yea
Roger Lynch	Republican	House	Yea
John Maddox	Republican	House	Yea
Aaron Pilkington	Republican	House	Yea
Johnny Rye	Republican	House	Yea
Les Warren	Republican	House	Yea
Danny Watson	Republican	House	Yea
Carlton Wing	Republican	House	NV
Austin Mccollum	Republican	House	Yea
Carol Dalby	Republican	House	Yea
Steve Hollowell	Republican	House	Yea
Brian Evans	Republican	House	Yea
Lee Johnson	Republican	House	Yea
Andrew Collins	Democrat	House	Yea
Stan Berry	Republican	House	Yea
Harlan Breaux	Republican	House	NV
Cameron Cooper	Republican	House	Yea
Nicole Clowney	Democrat	House	Yea
Cindy Crawford	Republican	House	Yea
Denise Garner	Democrat	House	Yea
Tippi McCullough	Democrat	House	Yea
Jay Richardson	Democrat	House	Yea
Jamie Scott	Democrat	House	Yea
Jim Wooten	Republican	House	Yea
Denise Ennett	Democrat	House	Yea
Richard McGrew	Republican	House	Yea
Joy Springer	Democrat	House	Yea
Howard Beaty	Republican	House	Yea
Tony Furman	Republican	House	Yea
Kendon Underwood	Republican	House	Yea
David Ray	Republican	House	Nay
Mark Berry	Republican	House	Yea
John Carr	Republican	House	Yea
Rick McClure	Republican	House	Yea
Keith Brooks	Republican	House	Yea
Delia Haak	Republican	House	Yea
Ashley Hudson	Democrat	House	NV
Jon Milligan	Republican	House	Yea
RJ Hawk	Republican	House	Yea
Wade Andrews	Republican	House	Yea
Rebecca Burkes	Republican	House	Yea
DeAnna Hodges	Republican	House	Yea
Hope Duke	Republican	House	Nay
Zack Gramlich	Republican	House	Yea
Mindy McAlindon	Republican	House	Yea
Matt Duffield	Republican	House	Yea
Stetson Painter	Republican	House	Yea
Steve Unger	Republican	House	Yea
Wayne Long	Republican	House	Yea
Scott Richardson	Republican	House	Yea
Brandon Achor	Republican	House	Yea
Jeremiah Moore	Republican	House	Yea
Joey Carr	Republican	House	Yea
Matt Brown	Republican	House	Yea
Shad Pearce	Republican	House	Yea
Chad Puryear	Republican	House	Yea
Ryan Rose	Republican	House	Yea
Bart Schulz	Republican	House	Yea
Trey Steimel	Republican	House	Yea
Tara Shephard	Democrat	House	Yea
Jeremy Wooldridge	Republican	House	Yea
Kendra Moore	Republican	House	Yea
Brit McKenzie	Republican	House	Yea
Steven Walker	Republican	House	Yea

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us