HB1034
An Act For The Department Of Human Services - Division Of Aging, Adult, And Behavioral Health Services Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Appropriation.
Last Action (Nov. 20, 2024): WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1034 provides a $250 million appropriation to the Arkansas Department of Human Services for the construction of an additional state behavioral health hospital for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill authorizes the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State to transfer these funds from the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund to a cash fund. Additionally, the legislation amends Arkansas law to clarify the roles and responsibilities of prosecuting attorneys and the Prosecutor Coordinator regarding legal representation in behavioral health hearings. It also consolidates various state-operated mental health and youth service facilities into a unified 'Department of Human Services State Institutional System.' Finally, the bill includes disbursement controls, mandates compliance with fiscal laws, and declares an emergency to ensure the funding is effective by July 1, 2025.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries include individuals in Arkansas requiring state-provided inpatient behavioral health and mental health treatment, who would gain access to expanded facility capacity. Additionally, the Department of Human Services and state agencies managing mental health and youth services benefit from the funding for capital improvements and institutional consolidation. The judicial system and legal entities, specifically prosecuting attorneys and the Prosecutor Coordinator, benefit from clarified statutory guidance regarding their roles in involuntary commitment and mental health hearings.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary entity negatively impacted is the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund, which will lose $250 million to finance this capital project, potentially limiting funds available for other state priorities. Taxpayers may be viewed as indirectly impacted due to the significant allocation of state financial reserves toward this specific construction project. Furthermore, existing administrative departments may face operational adjustments due to the consolidation of state institutions.
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