HB1310

House Bill 1310 abolishes the Arkansas Commission for the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Initiative and transfers its operational authority, duties, functions, and assets to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). The bill mandates that UAMS will maintain the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Bank, continue the educational programs regarding postnatal tissue and fluid banking, and oversee the collection and storage of these materials for medical research and treatment. The legislation also repeals the statutory provisions that established the original commission. An emergency clause is included to facilitate the transfer of duties, with an effective date of July 1, 2025. This move is presented as an effort to streamline government services and improve administrative efficiency and cost-effectiveness.