HB1382

House Bill 1382 mandates that the state’s designated Protection and Advocacy Agency and the Client Assistance Program submit biannual reports to the Hospital, Medicaid, and Developmental Disabilities Study Subcommittee of the Legislative Council and the Governor. These reports must focus on advocacy efforts for individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in home- and community-based settings. Additionally, the bill requires these agencies to attend committee meetings when requested and provide information to the subcommittee by specified deadlines. The bill also explicitly applies the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 to Disability Rights of Arkansas, Inc. or its successor organization. This legislation establishes a mechanism for increased legislative oversight and transparency regarding state advocacy programs for individuals with disabilities.