SCR1
To Amend The Joint Rules Of The House Of Representatives And The Senate Of The Ninety-fourth General Assembly Of The State Of Arkansas.
Last Action (May 9, 2024): Died in the House at Sine Die Adjournment
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 amends the Joint Rules of the Arkansas House of Representatives and Senate regarding legislative procedures for the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program. It establishes stricter deadlines and requirements for the introduction of bills that impact the program or impose new cost obligations on state health benefit plans. Specifically, it requires such bills introduced during regular sessions to be filed within the first 15 days, with exceptions requiring a three-fourths supermajority vote. Furthermore, it mandates that any legislation imposing new or increased costs on the state or public school insurance programs must include a fiscal impact statement prepared by actuaries under contract with the Bureau of Legislative Research. The resolution also outlines procedures for members to object to the consideration of such bills if a fiscal impact statement is missing, requiring a two-thirds vote to override the objection.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are the taxpayers of Arkansas, state agencies, and public school districts. By requiring rigorous fiscal impact assessments and limiting late-session bill introductions, the state aims to ensure better budgetary oversight and financial predictability regarding public employee and educator health benefit plans.
Who Might Suffer?
Legislators and special interest groups who may wish to introduce or pass legislation affecting state health insurance plans quickly or late in a session are negatively impacted, as the resolution imposes procedural hurdles that could stall or prevent the passage of such bills. Additionally, the Bureau of Legislative Research and contracted actuaries will face an increased administrative burden in preparing the required fiscal impact statements.
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