everything you want to know (and don't) about arkansas politics

Republican Sponsorship
Healthcare

SCR5

To Continue To Encourage The Pursuit Of National Cancer Institute Designation By The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute At The University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences.

Passed

Last Action (April 16, 2025): Approved by the Governor.

Sponsors

AI-Generated Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 is a non-binding legislative measure that expresses formal support for the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in its ongoing efforts to achieve designation as a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center. The resolution highlights the high rates of cancer-related deaths in Arkansas and emphasizes that gaining NCI status would improve access to clinical trials, advanced treatments, and prevention programs. It notes that Arkansans currently must travel out-of-state for this level of specialized care. Furthermore, the bill outlines potential economic benefits, including job creation and increased research funding. It encourages collaboration between various state departments and the Institute to support the goal of obtaining the designation by the planned 2025 application timeframe.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are the residents of Arkansas, particularly cancer patients who would gain improved access to clinical trials, specialized treatments, and local cancer research. The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at UAMS directly benefits from the symbolic institutional support, which strengthens its pursuit of research grants and prestige. Additionally, the broader Arkansas healthcare sector, including local hospitals and clinics, is expected to benefit from enhanced collaboration and regional oncology resources, while the state's economy is projected to benefit from job creation and increased research investment.

Who Might Suffer?

There are no groups or entities directly negatively impacted by this resolution. As a concurrent resolution, it serves primarily as an expression of legislative intent and policy priority rather than a binding fiscal appropriation or a regulatory mandate that would impose costs or restrictions on individuals or private entities. While the initiative relies on public and private funding, the resolution focuses on encouraging existing efforts and collaborations rather than introducing new tax burdens or negative consequences for specific segments of the population.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us