HB1803
To Amend Proposed Referred Act 1 Of 1994, Also Known As The Arkansas Soft Drink Tax Proposed Referred Act; And To Authorize Soft Drink Tax Revenues To Be Used For Salaries Of Public School Nurses.
Last Action (May 1, 2023): Died in House Committee at Sine Die Adjournment
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AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1803 amends the Arkansas Soft Drink Tax Act to reallocate a portion of tax revenue to support public school nurses. The bill establishes a 'School Nurse Salary Trust Fund' to be managed by the Department of Education. It mandates that five million dollars per year be deposited into this new trust fund from existing soft drink tax proceeds, which were previously directed to the Arkansas Medicaid Program Trust Fund. The funds are designated solely for contributing to the salaries of public school nurses in Arkansas. The legislation includes an expiration date of July 1, 2025, unless it is extended by the General Assembly. Additionally, the bill directs the House and Senate Education Committees to review and reexamine the funding distribution for school nurses for potential future adjustments.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are public school nurses in Arkansas, who would receive salary support through the new trust fund. Public school students and the broader school community may also benefit from improved access to nursing services and the retention of school medical personnel.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary entity negatively impacted is the Arkansas Medicaid Program, as the five million dollars annually directed to the new School Nurse Salary Trust Fund would be diverted from the existing Arkansas Medicaid Program Trust Fund, potentially reducing the funds available for that program's operations or services.
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