Insurance & Commerce- House
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Bills discussed (45)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HB1333
Act 627
· 10 mentions in transcript, agenda, chapter
Matched: “thank you for hearing House Bill 1333 today, the amendment is not a substantive one. It rearrange…”
|
TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR BREASTFEEDING AND LACTATION CONSULTANT SERVICES. | Hudson | Notification that HB1333 is now Act 627 |
|
HB1290
· 3 mentions in transcript, agenda, chapter
Matched: “on House Bill 1290, if I could start with that one. Yes, sir, if staff could”
|
TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS EXAMINATIONS; AND TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS SUPPORT OF … | L. Johnson | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1320
Act 626
· 3 mentions in transcript, agenda, chapter
Matched: “…e. Thank you, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you committee. House Bill 1320 is a good common”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CRISIS STABILIZATION UNITS AND HEALTHCARE INSURERS. | Wooldridge | Notification that HB1320 is now Act 626 |
|
HB1321
Act 513
· 3 mentions in transcript, agenda, chapter
Matched: “…Mr. Chairman and committee, I'd like to uh discuss with you House Bill 1321. I think this is a good common sense approach. It protects,…”
|
TO REGULATE STEP THERAPY AND FAIL FIRST PROTOCOLS CONCERNING CERTAIN PRESCRIBED VENTILATORS. | Wooldridge | Notification that HB1321 is now Act 513 |
|
HB1443
· 3 mentions in transcript, agenda, chapter
Matched: “1055 or HB 1443 today, um, we'll likely be hearing those next week. Um, I d…”
|
TO CREATE THE SECOND AMENDMENT FINANCIAL PRIVACY ACT; TO PROHIBIT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND PAYMENT NETWORKS … | Pilkington | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1055
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…ESTATE LICENSE LAW. REGULAR AGENDA Number Sponsor Subtitle HB1055 J. Mayberry TO ESTABLISH COVERAGE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT T…”
|
TO ESTABLISH COVERAGE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT TO SLOW THE PROGRESSION OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE OR OTHER … | J. Mayberry | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1150
Act 624
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “AGENDA (Revised 3/19/2025 @ 8:30 AM) Added HB1150 and Removed HB1240 from Regular Agenda House Committee on I…”
|
TO PROHIBIT A PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER FROM OBTAINING CERTAIN PHARMACY PERMITS. | J. Moore | Notification that HB1150 is now Act 624 |
|
HB1297
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…RUG REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS FOR CERTAIN HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS. HB1297 L. Johnson CONCERNING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, ALGORITHMS,…”
|
CONCERNING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, ALGORITHMS, AND OTHER AUTOMATED TECHNOLOGIES; AND TO REGULATE CERTAIN PRACTICES OF HEALTHCARE … | L. Johnson | WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR |
|
HB1314
Act 512
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1314 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CERTAIN AUDITS OF HE…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CERTAIN AUDITS OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS; AND TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS … | Irvin | Notification that HB1314 is now Act 512 |
|
HB1558
Act 392
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…m Wooten CONCUR IN SENATE AMENDMENT Number Sponsor Subtitle HB1558 McGrew TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS REAL ESTATE…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION; TO CREATE A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT … | McGrew | Notification that HB1558 is now Act 392 |
|
HB1703
Act 570
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…RY PRACTICES; AND TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF VIOLATIONS. HB1703 L. Johnson TO PROVIDE A DRUG REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS FOR CERT…”
|
TO PROVIDE A DRUG REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS FOR CERTAIN HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS. | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1703 is now Act 570 |
|
HB1737
Act 584
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1737 M. Brown TO AMEND THE TRANSMITTING UTILITY ACT; AND TO AMEN…”
|
TO AMEND THE TRANSMITTING UTILITY ACT; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "TRANSMITTING UTILITY" TO … | M. Brown | Notification that HB1737 is now Act 584 |
|
HB1746
Act 997
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1746 M. Brown TO AMEND THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE.”
|
TO AMEND THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE. | M. Brown | Notification that HB1746 is now Act 997 |
|
HB1771
Act 651
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…MENT. HB1746 M. Brown TO AMEND THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE. HB1771 Perry TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DISCLOSURES TO POLICYHOLD…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DISCLOSURES TO POLICYHOLDERS; AND TO REQUIRE MONTHLY REPORTING BY INSURERS. | R. Murdock | Notification that HB1771 is now Act 651 |
|
HB1794
Act 559
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…E TIME ALLOWED FOR PROCESSING AN APPLICATION OF A PROVIDER. HB1794 Duke TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUI…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR REAL ESTATE LICENSEES; AND TO CREATE … | Duke | Notification that HB1794 is now Act 559 |
|
HB1811
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…STRIBUTION NETWORK OF OUT-OF-STATE PHARMACIES. Page 2 of 4 HB1811 Steimel TO AMEND PROPERTY AND CASUALTY LAW; AND TO REQUIRE…”
|
TO AMEND PROPERTY AND CASUALTY LAW; AND TO REQUIRE REASONABLE PROOF OF PAYMENT OF A … | Steimel | Recommended for study in the Interim by the … |
|
HB1813
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1813 Gramlich TO ADOPT THE FAIR AND EFFICIENT TRANSMISSION COMPA…”
|
TO ADOPT THE FAIR AND EFFICIENT TRANSMISSION COMPACT. | Gramlich | Recommended for study in the Interim by the … |
|
SB104
Act 514
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB104 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER LI…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER LICENSURE ACT; TO PROTECT PATIENTS' RIGHTS AND ACCESS … | C. Penzo | Notification that SB104 is now Act 514 |
|
SB237
Act 554
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…VERAGE FOR BREASTFEEDING AND LACTATION CONSULTANT SERVICES. SB237 J. Boyd TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE LICENSING AND REGUL…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE LICENSING AND REGULATION OF CAPTIVE INSURERS. | J. Boyd | Notification that SB237 is now Act 554 |
|
SB319
Act 461
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…CATION EXEMPTIONS FOR CERTAIN REAL ESTATE BROKER LICENSEES. SB319 J. Boyd TO AMEND THE UNIFORM LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACT;…”
|
TO AMEND THE UNIFORM LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACT; AND TO CLARIFY CHARGING ORDERS UNDER THE … | J. Boyd | Notification that SB319 is now Act 461 |
|
SB323
Act 516
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…OLICYHOLDERS; AND TO REQUIRE MONTHLY REPORTING BY INSURERS. SB323 J. Bryant TO AMEND THE HORIZONTAL PROPERTY ACT. SB366 J. Bo…”
|
TO AMEND THE HORIZONTAL PROPERTY ACT. | J. Bryant | Notification that SB323 is now Act 516 |
|
SB329
Act 426
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…ITTING UTILITY" TO INCLUDE FIBER OPTIC AND BROADBAND LINES. SB329 J. Boyd TO CREATE THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE GUARANTEES ACT. HB…”
|
TO CREATE THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE GUARANTEES ACT. | J. Boyd | Notification that SB329 is now Act 426 |
|
SB401
Act 448
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…; AND TO CREATE THE STRENGTHEN ARKANSAS HOMES PROGRAM FUND. SB401 J. Boyd TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS UNDERGROUND FACILITIES DAMAGE…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS UNDERGROUND FACILITIES DAMAGE PREVENTION ACT. | J. Boyd | Notification that SB401 is now Act 448 |
|
SB405
Act 555
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…HTS AND ACCESS TO MEDICATIONS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. SB405 J. Dismang TO AMEND THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE CONSUMER INFORM…”
|
TO AMEND THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE CONSUMER INFORM ACT. | J. Dismang | Notification that SB405 is now Act 555 |
|
HB1009
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…NT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. HB1009 A. Collins TO ALLOW PREGNANCY TO BE A QUALIFYING EVENT FOR…”
|
TO ALLOW PREGNANCY TO BE A QUALIFYING EVENT FOR ENROLLMENT IN CERTAIN HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS. | A. Collins | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1014
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…FYING EVENT FOR ENROLLMENT IN CERTAIN HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS. HB1014 A. Collins TO REQUIRE COVERAGE OF IN VITRO FERTILIZATION UN…”
|
TO REQUIRE COVERAGE OF IN VITRO FERTILIZATION UNDER THE STATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOL LIFE AND … | A. Collins | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1159
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…EALTH BENEFIT PLANS. DEFERRED BILLS Number Sponsor Subtitle HB1159 J. Richardson TO CREATE THE RETAIL CONVENIENCE STORE SECURI…”
|
TO CREATE THE RETAIL CONVENIENCE STORE SECURITY ACT; AND TO REGULATE SECURITY MEASURES AT RETAIL … | J. Richardson | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1240
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…ENDA (Revised 3/19/2025 @ 8:30 AM) Added HB1150 and Removed HB1240 from Regular Agenda House Committee on Insurance and Commer…”
|
TO EXPAND ELIGIBILITY FOR COVERAGE UNDER THE STATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOL LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE … | Andrews | Recommended for study in the Interim by the … |
|
HB1295
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1295 L. Johnson TO CREATE THE HEALTHCARE COST-SHARING COLLECTION…”
|
TO CREATE THE HEALTHCARE COST-SHARING COLLECTIONS TRANSPARENCY ACT. | L. Johnson | Died in House at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1296
Act 556
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1296 L. Johnson TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES PROV…”
|
TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES PROVIDED IN MOBILE UNITS. | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1296 is now Act 556 |
|
HB1308
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1308 Steimel CONCERNING UNFAIR PRACTICES RELATED TO RESIDENTIAL…”
|
CONCERNING UNFAIR PRACTICES RELATED TO RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE REPAIR CONTRACTS; AND TO REGULATE SOLICITING RESIDENTIAL … | Steimel | Recommended for study in the Interim by the … |
|
HB1354
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…MACY PERMITS. PENDING FISCAL IMPACT Number Sponsor Subtitle HB1354 Lundstrum TO REGULATE PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGERS; TO AMEND…”
|
TO REGULATE PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGERS; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE STATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOL … | Lundstrum | Recommended for study in the Interim by the … |
|
HB1409
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…TO REGULATE SECURITY MEASURES AT RETAIL CONVENIENCE STORES. HB1409 Long TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING ENERGY; AND TO CREATE THE E…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING ENERGY; AND TO CREATE THE ELECTRIC RELIABILITY ACT. | Long | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1467
Act 557
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1467 Achor TO AMEND THE UNIFORM MONEY SERVICES ACT.”
|
TO AMEND THE UNIFORM MONEY SERVICES ACT. | J. Boyd | Notification that HB1467 is now Act 557 |
|
HB1519
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1519 Cavenaugh TO ALLOW THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMME…”
|
TO ALLOW THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HIRING AND … | Cavenaugh | Died in House at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1531
Act 630
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1531 Achor TO PROHIBIT PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS FROM RESTRIC…”
|
TO PROHIBIT PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS FROM RESTRICTING OR LIMITING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS TO A LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NETWORK … | Achor | Notification that HB1531 is now Act 630 |
|
HB1659
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…S IN THE Page 3 of 4 PSYCHIATRIC COLLABORATIVE CARE MODEL. HB1659 S. Meeks TO AMEND THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE; AND TO CLARI…”
|
TO AMEND THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE; AND TO CLARIFY THE PRIORITY AMONG SECURITY INTERESTS AND … | S. Meeks | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1735
Act 813
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1735 Eaves TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS UNDERGROUND FACILITIES DAMAGE P…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS UNDERGROUND FACILITIES DAMAGE PREVENTION ACT; AND TO REVISE MEMBERSHIP IN THE … | Eaves | Notification that HB1735 is now Act 813 |
|
HB1736
Act 603
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1736 M. Brown TO AMEND ARTICLE 9 OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE.”
|
TO AMEND ARTICLE 9 OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE. | M. Brown | Notification that HB1736 is now Act 603 |
|
HB1788
Act 571
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1788 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER ACT;…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER ACT; AND TO REDUCE THE TIME ALLOWED FOR … | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1788 is now Act 571 |
|
HB1814
Act 712
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1814 Gazaway TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY OVE…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY OVER UTILITIES; AND TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF … | Gazaway | Notification that HB1814 is now Act 712 |
|
SB229
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…ERNING INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSED HOME INSPECTORS. SB229 J. Boyd TO CREATE THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES WITH…”
|
TO CREATE THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. | J. Boyd | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SB309
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…STATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOL LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM. SB309 D. Sullivan TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER ACT;…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER ACT; TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "PSYCHIATRIC COLLABORATIVE … | D. Sullivan | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SB366
Act 427
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB366 J. Boyd TO CREATE THE STRENGTHEN ARKANSAS HOMES ACT; AND TO…”
|
TO CREATE THE STRENGTHEN ARKANSAS HOMES ACT; AND TO CREATE THE STRENGTHEN ARKANSAS HOMES PROGRAM … | J. Boyd | Notification that SB366 is now Act 427 |
|
SB432
Act 428
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB432 J. Petty TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ACCOUNTANTS; AND TO AM…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ACCOUNTANTS; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCY FOR … | J. Petty | Notification that SB432 is now Act 428 |
Machine transcript
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keeping things to discuss. First of all, we will not be hearing HB
1055 or HB 1443 today, um, we'll likely be hearing those next week. Um, I do want to say, and I, I hate to do this to the committee, but we are going to have to start meeting more often, um, I believe we need to meet the watch your calendars, but I believe we will need to meet the the Monday that we return from spring break after session convened after session adjourned. So watch your calendar for that, but that.
That's where we're leaning now our, we've gotten a lot of fiscals back now, so our agenda is very busy. We have a couple of bills that are gonna take a long time, um, so we're gonna have to start working later. My goal is, of course, to hopefully not work on Fridays, but um that's where we are, so watch your calendar, but I do anticipate meeting next Monday afternoon. Um, The first Person on the agenda, and I don't see him now, is Oh yeah, Representative McGurry. You are first on the agenda, sir.
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
1:28
Thank you Mr. Chairman. This is just on a amendment that happened on the CNN from a request from the AEG. It was, it was conferred on the Senate end and we just need to get it approved here. This is on the property management bill. Thank
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
1:45
you. Any questions about the committee? Questions. What was
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
1:48
the amendment that the Senate added? The amendment was, I think it's close to the final line on the document that required uh It allowed them to promulgate
rules and not follow the rule that the governor's executive order of two rules are taken out when you make one, so we just had to simply take that out and let the rules stay as
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
2:06
they are. OK, all right, but it doesn't change the bill at
Speaker 14
2:15
all, no, unless they do something in rules, OK, all right, thank
you. Thank you Lustrom. Any other questions from the committee? Is there anyone who would like to speak? For against this concurrence. OK. Representative McGregor, you're recognized. Close. Thank you.
you have. We have a motion to concur in the Senate amendment. All in favor say aye. Any opposed say no, you passed your
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
2:40
amendment. Thank you. I representative Hudson. In the room I
said if you go to the end of the table. Oh And there, there is an amendment that staff will be is passing out right now. Um,
Members look at it when you get it. However, um,
Representative Ashley Hudson
Unverified
3:14
Refson Hudson, you are recognized to present the amendment. That was fast. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Ashley Hudson, District 75. Members,
thank you for hearing House Bill 1333 today, the amendment is not a substantive one. It rearranges the, um, uh, the wording and how the, uh, classes of providers
that can provide lactation services, um, is presented, I in reading through it, the, the first time it seemed a little bit confusing, so I wanted to bull it out a little bit
Speaker 21
3:42
better to clarify which types of providers could provide these services. Happy to answer any questions. Thank you, Representative
Hudson has explained the amendment, are there any questions on the amendment? I have a motion to adopt the amendment. All in favor say aye. Wrexham Hudson, you are recognized to present the bill as amended.
Representative Ashley Hudson
Unverified
4:07
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh colleagues today, I'm presenting House Bill
1333, which is uh to mandate coverage for breastfeeding and lactation consultant services. This is an area, of course, that we do have some coverage for already, um, but we wanted to make sure it's more consistent to ensure that more women can take advantage of these services. Uh, the women on the committee may be more familiar with this, obviously, but often women do have, have struggles with breastfeeding shortly after birth. especially women who may have
had birth trauma or C-section, or, or simply just had difficulties in, in producing milk or figuring out how to get a latch, um, lactation consultants can be really vital to helping women figure out how they can feed their, their babies and how they can breastfeed. I know in my case, when I had my first daughter, I initially just thought that you would have the baby, you would put the baby up to the breast, and they would immediately know how to breastfeed, and it turned out neither one of us knew what we were doing. So, it's uh, It's certainly a benefit for, for women to be able to take
advantage of the, the knowledge and skill of experts who can assist, um, You probably received a little bit of information on this bill, but there are significant benefits for both mom and baby beyond just the breastfeeding itself and the nutrition that comes from that, um, breastfeeding can lower the risk of SIDDS for infants for infections and chronic illnesses, they can benefit from, um, the immunities that their that their mother has and can pass along to them, um, it also helps with the, with the mothers because it reduces the risk of breast cancer and
ovarian cancer and also postpartum depression, um, by by passing this bill, we will be able to remove some of the financial barriers associated with getting access to these types of services, making it more accessible for women all over the state regardless of their socioeconomic status, um, which helps to ensure that we have more healthy moms and healthy babies. As of right now, Arkansas ranks about forty-fifth in the country for breastfeeding within the 1st 6 months of life for, for infants, and we'd
obviously like to see those numbers increase because it does um improve those health outcomes overall for mom and baby and of course we've had a very uh focused session this time on healthy moms and healthy babies through the governors legislation earlier in the session, and so this would be a nice compliment
Speaker 8
6:29
to that. Happy to answer any questions. Any questions from the committee? seeing none about? No, OK. Seeing no questions.
Speaker 14
6:42
Is there anyone who would like to speak against this bill? Saying no, when we do have some people signed up to speak for this bill, um. Looks like Sarah Sobic. I may not
have said that correctly, um. If you would just go to the end of the table
Speaker 25
7:06
and introduce yourself, and you may proceed with your testimony.
Sarah Sobe
Unverified
7:09
Morning. Members of the committee and thank you, Chairman Maddox. My
name is Doctor Sarah Sobe. I'm a board certified pediatrician and a board certified breastfeeding and lactation specialist. I'm a member of the Arkansas chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and I serve as the breastfeeding champion for our chapter. I'm here today along with my colleagues, Doctor Emily Beckett, Doctor Misty Vermani, Michelle Morales, who is a certified lactation counselor herself, and we specialize in seeing patients in the field of breastfeeding and lactation. medicine. We want to express our strong
support of the HB 1333, which seeks to expand coverage of lactation support services, including in primary care clinics. So about 7 years ago, I had my daughter, Madeline, and I was in pediatric residency. I was a young pediatrician, a new mother, and I was determined to breastfeed. It was what I recommended to all of my patients, um, so why wouldn't I do it myself after Madeleine was born, we had a lot of issues with breastfeeding.
I struggled with lashing her. It was painful. I had low milk supply and she wasn't gaining any weight. It was one of the most challenging times of my life, and as my daughter, at my daughter's newborn visit, I was told to immediately start formula, and I immediately felt defeated. I was 3 days into motherhood, and I felt like I had failed her as a mom and as a pediatrician. We had multiple appointments to visit our pediatrician and her 1st 1st few weeks of life and
didn't have access to lactation support at those visits. So I started pumping, she started to gain weight and after 4 long stressful months. She finally latched and continued to breastfeed for over 2 years. Though all that journey and this whole journey, she finally latched or she, I learned that so many new mothers face the same barriers that I faced as a new mom, learning to breastfeed, and I vowed to help other new moms in their breastfeeding journey as well. So most of you already know that breastfeeding is widely
recognized as one of the most effective ways to support infant and maternal health. It provides essential nutrition and it strengthens immunity while also reducing the risk of infection, obesity, asthma. It has so many other health benefits. However, many families in Arkansas face significant barriers to accessing lactation support. Due to cost and limited provider availability. As Representative Hudson said, we rank forty-fifth nationally for breastfeeding initiation
rates. That means that only 75% of infants born in Arkansas breastfeed from the time they were born to the time they discharged from the hospital. And the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. However, in Arkansas, only 20% of infants are actually exclusively breastfed until 6 months. We can absolutely do better for the mothers and infants of our state. As a physician, we can bill for supporting patients in breastfeeding, but our lactation
consultant and lactation counselor colleagues cannot currently bill under most insurance or Medicaid. By ensuring coverage of lactation services and private and public coverage. This legislation will ensure that moms and babies can access support that they need in the hospital and in primary care clinics, including the pediatric setting. This bill will improve infant health outcomes for the state of Arkansas by improving our breastfeeding rates will lower hospitalization rates and promote long-term health for our
children. When lactation support is accessible, breastfeeding success rates do increase. HB 1333 can improve maternal health outcomes by breastfeeding can improve maternal postpartum recovery, decrease the risk of complications in the postpartum period. And in the long term, it can lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and it supports maternal mental health by fostering mother and infant bonding and decreasing the risk of postpartum depression.
It we're supporting this bill will also impact the healthcare system overall in Arkansas by reducing healthcare costs, increasing breastfeeding rates correlates with decreased postpartum complications for both infant and mother, leading to lower health care costs related to preventable conditions, supporting HB 1333 can help improve rural access. Rural communities often have less access to breastfeeding support that are more available in urban areas and by integrating lactation support
into primary care, we can access resources in every corner of our state. Lastly, HB 1333 can help streamline access to care, and many, many parents already visit pediatric primary care clinics several times in their infants routine postpartum follow up, but if you aren't aware, infants have more visits than compared to the mother's obstetric care, allowing outpatient clinics to offer lactation support ensures family. receive care where and when they
need it without the financial and logistical burdens. This builds a wise investment to the infant health and maternal health in our state. It delivers cost savings for Arkansas and both short and long term. I urge the committee to pass HB 1333 and ensure that all families have access to their resources needed for successful breastfeeding and a healthier start for their children. Thank you for your time. Thank you
Speaker 32
12:50
for your testimony. Any questions from the committee? OK, um.
No, do pass at the proper time. OK, thank you. um, thank you for your testimony.
Speaker 14
13:03
There is one other person signed up, Daniel Wright has signed
up to speak on this, um. If you would
Danielle Wright
Unverified
13:21
just introduce yourself and proceed with your testimony. OK. Good morning. My name is Danielle Wright and um first off I just want to thank the
Speaker 36
13:30
committee for allowing me to come and speak today, um, and Um, I'm here in support of this bill from a few different angles, not just as a lactation professional, but as a mother who has lived the reality of
Danielle Wright
Unverified
13:46
needing breastfeeding support and not having access to it. When my twins were born prematurely and placed in
Speaker 36
13:51
the NICU, I relied on donor breast milk to give them a fighting chance. Lactation support was scarce, even in the hospital.
Later, when I was breastfeeding, I struggled to access lactation support simply because of where I lived and also what I could afford. Even after I had my children, my story didn't end there. People in my community remembered my struggle and my determination, and they were inspired. I was asked to come back, not just as a mother, but as a support system for others as a breastfeeding peer counselor. I drove back daily to help families and eventually I became the first breastfeeding peer counselor in my county.
I witnessed something very incredible. Breastfeeding success rates rose, connections that had been lost for years where able to be rebuilt and families started to believe in what was again possible. They didn't just make, take the free formula or um formula that was given because it was the norm within the county, but they listened, they learned and they made informed choices. And yet, Arkansas continues to rank amongst the lowest in the country for maternal health and
breastfeeding rates. The reality is our mothers and our babies are thriving, yet struggling with the resources that are needed, not because they don't want to breastfeed, not because they can't do it, but says the support just simply is not there. HB 1333 changes that. It ensures that all parents, regardless of income or location, have access to the lactation lactation care that they need. This bill isn't just about breastfeeding, it's about maternal health. It's about equity, it's about giving
Arkansas families the strong foundation that they deserve. So I ask again. If we are truly rooted in supporting strong families and healthy communities, then we must ensure that every parent has access to the resources that they need to give their child the best start in life, and that's exactly what HB 1333 does. I definitely urge you to stand with us in supporting this bill, and thank you again for your time. Um
Speaker 6
16:07
I believe we do have a question. Representative Richardson, you. Thank you. I was just curious. You said you were the first in your county to what county
Speaker 14
16:20
is it? Jackson County. OK, thank you. Thank you. Any other questions? OK, thank you, thank you for your testimony. Thank you guys so much. There's no one else signed up. Would anyone
Representative Ashley Hudson
Unverified
16:28
else like to speak for or against this bill? OK. Thank you. Representative Hudson, you recognize the close for your bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair and thank you for your time and considering this today. This is a good bipartisan bill. Um, it's a, it's a common sense
and practical thing that we can do to help our moms and babies,
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
16:51
and I would urge a motion to pass. Oh Represented ones you recognize. Sorry, we were discussing
the bill actually. Um, motion to pass. Motion to pass as amended. Thank you. Motion to pass as amended. All in favor say aye. Any post say no. Congratulations, you passed your
bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Thank you. Wooldridge, I believe you have 2 on the agenda
Speaker 49
17:15
that you would like to run. Yes, sir. 1320 and 1321. Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'll start with 1320 if
that's OK with you. Absolutely, just go ahead and introduce
Representative Jeremy Wooldridge
Unverified
17:27
yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony, sir. We'll do, Representative Jeremy Wooldridge, District one. Thank you, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you committee. House Bill 1320 is a good common
sense bill. It deals with our crisis stabilization units. I've worked with Doctor Johnson, Representative Johnson on this bill, Senator Tucker and many others, uh, while they may not be listed as co-sponsors. This has been a collaborative approach from a lot of different members. Basically, what it does, and you can see through the bill, it amends a couple of sections of the insurance code. It allows for the insurance commissioner to maintain rulemaking authority, oversight, but it adds crisis. stabilization units like under the Protection Act of 1995 under the any willing provider laws
and etc. It also talks about the pre-authorization process, obviously, if we have a crisis that's taking place in a crisis stabilization unit. They don't have time to go through the pre-authorization process with insurance companies. This will just require what we're already kind of doing and uh make sure that they're protected under that Provider Act,
Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker
Unverified
18:25
and with that, I'll be happy to answer any questions. Thank you for your testimony. Any questions from the committee? Good.
Speaker 14
18:32
Seeing none. There's no one signed up. There's anyone who like speak against this bill. So anyone else like to speak for
this bill? OK. Uh, question, motion. Representative did you recognize the close for your bill, Mr. Chairman, I'm
Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker
Unverified
18:48
closed. Thank you, committee, and I'd appreciate a
good vote. Thank you, Representative Baker, you're recognized. Make a motion do pass motion do pass by Representative Aker. All in favor say
Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker
Unverified
19:00
aye. Any opposed say no. Congratulations, you've passed your bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If I could, I'd like to run 1321 as well and invite someone
Speaker 56
19:07
to the table. Yes, sir. Just have your witness introduce
Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker
Unverified
19:11
themselves and y'all may, you got, you may proceed with your
Speaker 57
19:19
testimony. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you committee. Jeremy Wooldridge State Representative District
Representative Jeremy Wooldridge
Unverified
19:24
one. Caitlin Highland, executive director of the Arkansas Medical Equipment Providers. Mr. Chairman and committee, I'd like to uh discuss with you House Bill 1321. I think this is a good common sense approach. It protects, um, it protects NIB and some other things that are already taking place in Arkansas. This is basically somewhat of an unregulated
industry. So what we're attempting to do is codify this in code. We want to make sure that we are protecting folks that need these enhanced ventilators and other things with such as COPD, ALS, those procedures that take place, what's happening in other states. What we've seen happen in other states is that they've got a fail first approach, and we're trying to prevent Arkansas from adopting that same model. We don't want someone who is suffering, who needs a ventilated approach at home to have to fail on a CPAP or another machine before they
qualify for a service. This just codifies, puts that in into code. It protects
Speaker 58
20:16
Arkansans who uh who suffer from these illnesses, and I would yield to
Speaker 59
20:21
my guests if they had anything to add. Yeah, I've spoken with most of most of you
Speaker 57
20:26
on the committee regarding this bill. Um, again, this is to remove that fail first protocol. Um, this bill or one similar has been passed in both Oklahoma and Louisiana in the past few years, and they've seen an enhanced, um, you know, success rate for their COPD and ALS clients, uh, or patients, sorry, um, I will
say that this bill is widely supported by the ALS Association, um, and so we're excited to get this into law
here in Arkansas. With that, we're happy to take any questions. Thank you for your testimony, Representative Wootton,
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
20:54
you're recognized. I have a motion it's appropriate time. Thank you, sir. Any other, any questions about the committee? OK. Seeing none, there is
Speaker 14
21:08
no one signed up to speak, but there's anyone who likes to speak against this bill.
Is anyone else who'd like to speak for
this bill? OK, seeing no one represented world or you recognized, Mr. Chairman, we're closed, and I would appreciate a good vote. Thank you, Representative, you're recognized motion to pass. We have a motion do pass by Re Wooton, that's a proper motion. All in favor say aye. Any opposed say no. Congratulations, you passed your bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you committee. Thank you. I believe I saw version of Gazaway, um, come into the room. I'm gonna allow him to, to proceed on his bill, if that's OK with the committee.
Speaker 14
21:56
I, I believe, is this 1814? Is that what you're wanting
Representative Jimmy Gazaway
Unverified
22:00
to present? It is, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Just go ahead and introduce yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony. State Representative Jimmy Gazaway, District 31. This bill is basically in the nature of a technical correction. There's a definition of public utility and there are two essentially different types of public utilities. The public utilities that are governed by commissions and then there are public utilities that are governed by, say, the city or
city council, but there are two different sets of rules in the statutes that follow those. Uh, that apply to the different types and so we had to make a change because it said at sec, which meant that everything thereafter applied to both and clearly when you read the statutes, they don't apply to both. There's a certain set of rules that apply to commission-based utilities, and that's through, I think, section, uh 209 and then the other rules that apply thereafter apply to the other types of utilities.
Speaker 32
22:57
That's all it does. Happy to answer any questions.
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
23:08
Thank you for your testimony. Representative McGrew, you're recognized. Represented Gazaway on uh I represent Hot Springs Village, which is a community of over 17,000 who have a public utility company. Do you know if this
Speaker 66
23:19
would affect The definition as far as they're concerned or not. It will not. It just, it just makes it clear which rules apply
Representative Jimmy Gazaway
Unverified
23:29
to the different types of utilities. It doesn't affect. It doesn't affect the way the utilities operate, doesn't affect any, any other thing other than it just divides clearly the rules that apply to commission-based utilities, the rules that apply to non-commission based utilities. It doesn't change anything else. Thank you. Any other questions about the
Speaker 14
23:48
committee? OK. Saying none, is there anyone in the arts who would like to speak against this bill. Anyone else speak for this bill?
Speaker 41
24:01
I see no one represent guys well you recognize the clothes for
your bill. I'm closed for the bill and would appreciate a good vote. OK We have a motion to pass from of Eubanks, all in favor say aye. In a post say now. Congratulations direct from Gaway, you've passed your bill.
Speaker 14
24:31
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, committee. Representative Johnson, I believe you have a few bills that, um, We don't believe we're going to
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
24:46
take too long, is my understanding. I do have an amendment
on House Bill 1290, if I could start with that one. Yes, sir, if staff could
Speaker 8
24:58
get that amendment. circulated 1290. Yes, yes, 1290 is the next
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
25:02
one on the agenda. It's this is an amendment just adding Senator Boyd as co-sponsor. Perfect. And
uh I make a motion we adopt the amendment at the appropriate time. OK. We have a motion do pass to ads we have a motion due passed to add,
Speaker 8
25:17
um, Senator Boyd, all in favor say aye. Any pose now. OK. Um, you
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
25:22
may proceed with your bill as amended Repent Johnson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Members, 1290 creates a parity between a physical exam and a mental wellness exam. So what we're trying to do here is recognize
that a person's mental health is as important at times as their physical health. We are all familiar with the idea of an annual physical to do a health screening exam for physicals. This bill simply
requires coverage for a mental physical, mental wellness exam annually. And I'd be happy to answer any questions on the bill. Where's McGreg, you're recognized. Thank
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
25:53
you, Chairman. I just want to say that I think this is well needed and have a proper motion at
the time. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Any other questions from the committee?
OK, saying that. Is there anyone else you'd like to speak against this bill? Anyone else likes for this
Speaker 8
26:12
bill. Saying they want representative John has to close, close, but I'm closer on a bill to make a motion to do pass as amended. We have a motion do pass as amended, all in favor say aye. In a post say no. Congratulations, you passed your bill.
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
26:27
Do you want to move to 1295 we're gonna skip that one. OK. 1296, I'd be happy to present a
House Bill 1296. Let's let's present 96. members of House Bill 1296 requires coverage for mobile health units. One of the ways we've tried to increase access in rural areas is by thinking outside the box and how we present health care outside of the urban areas, and part of that process is taking the providers to the patients where they are. That involves mobile health units which are sometimes vans, trucks, different entities, even, even, you know, mobile home. entities. What we're trying to do here is recognize that there's a cost, an inherent cost
to those facilities just like there is to a regular hospital or clinic facility and require coverage for health care provided in those mobile units, and
I'd be happy to answer any questions on that bill. Questions from the committee.
Speaker 8
27:19
OK, seeing none. Do you want to like speak
Speaker 14
27:24
against this bill. Anyone else likes for this bill. President Johnson, you're, you're
recognized to close, close to my bill and make a motion to pass. I have a motion to pass. All in favor say aye.
Speaker 14
27:37
And post say no. Congratulations, you passed your bill. Thank you.
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
27:50
What would you like to do next, Jefferson Johnson? House Bill 1703. the You may proceed. So, so members currently under a pharmacy benefit. There's an appeal process. If there's a discrepancy on drug pricing, sometimes medicines are provided under the medical benefit instead of the pharmacy benefit based on your plan, especially a lot of chemotherapy drugs. Uh,
this is just a duplicating the process that we already have in place for appealing issues around pharmacy benefits to medical, to medicine reimbursement issues around medical benefits. So the language that you see around this drug reimbursement process. at the bottom of the bill is something we're sort of taking from this farming pharmacy benefits space and now saying it applies to medicines under a medical benefit as well, and I'd
be happy to try to answer any questions on that bill. Any questions? The committee
Speaker 8
28:39
OK. Saying that you're more like speak against this bill? Anyone else I speak for this bill, Senator Johnson, you're the close close from a bill, make a motion to pass. We have
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
28:53
a motion do pass. All in favor say aye. Any posts say no. Go ahead and start it. I'd like
to pass over 1297 and present House Bill 1314 if possible. Yes, sir. You're recognized to present HB 1314. Again, borrowing from our pharmacy friends, there exists in statute right now a pharmacy audit bill of rights. What we're
attempting to create here is something called a medical audit bill of rights. What we're doing in the bill is we're defining the terms of engagement around when an audit is performed how you know notification periods, how often should she be notified? How many claims can be reviewed. What is the process around auditing and then also recoupment if that's necessary and how are these issues adjudicated. This is a bill that we worked on with payers and the languages in front of you is is
language that has been agreed on between providers and payers as
a fair way to, you know, observe the rules around a medical audit, and I'd be happy to answer any questions specifically on the bill. Any questions from the
Chair
Unverified
29:54
committee? See none. Is there anyone here to speak against this bill? Anyone here speak for this bill? See none. Representative Johnson, you're allowed to close your bill. I'm close to my bill. Make a motion to pass. That's a proper motion. Any discussion on the motion? See none. All those in favor say
aye. All opposed say no. Congratulations, Representative Johnson, your bill's passed. Thank you,
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
30:17
Mr. Chairman. If I may, I have one more bill to present. It's House Bill
Chair
Unverified
30:21
1788. And I do have an amendment to that bill. All right, we're gonna give just a second for this amendment to go out, and then we will take a look at it and. Take a motion on it. Mm
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
30:46
Members, uh, if I may present the amendment, Mr. Cha. we're simply changing a number and this amendment will now become the bill. We're changing a number from 160 to
Speaker 90
30:55
90 in the amendment, and I make a motion we adopt
Chair
Unverified
31:01
the amendment. It's proper. I think we have a question on the amendment. Representative Doub you recognized. All right, sounds like we're good there. You're, uh, it's a proper motion on the amendment. All those in favor of adopting, say a all opposed say no. Congratulations may have been
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
31:18
adopted. You're now allowed to present your bill as amended. Members, we passed a bill out of committee earlier in the session. House Bill 1288 that was trying to address credentialing issues around health care providers, but it wound up, it started out fairly broad to a lot of healthcare providers. It ended up being a fairly specific bill to physicians based on how physicians are credentialed through the state medical board and their CCVSitial information during the process of trying to run that bill. I got a lot of feedback from other health care providers asking for some help around. Expediating credentialing because we amended that bill in
a way that was very specific to physicians. This is my attempt to come back and try to address some of the concerns other health care providers have around the timing of the credentialing if you'll see in the bill, current timing is 180 days. I'd originally asked for that to be 60 days. The filling based on the payers was that that was a little quicker than they could do, and I said that's fine, let's do 90, and we shook hands and here we are, and I'd be happy to take
any questions on that bill or process Are there any questions from the committee?
Chair
Unverified
32:21
See none, uh, anyone here to speak against the bill? Anyone here speak for the bill? OK, seeing none, Representative Johnson, you're allowed to close your your bill. I'm close for my bill. I make a motion to pass as amended. That is a proper motion, so motion, uh, for, uh, bill to be presented or to be voted on as amended. All in favor say aye. All pope say no. Congratulations, your bill is passed as amended. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you committee. Appreciate it.
All right. Up next, I believe we have Representative Maddox, are you ready? Yeah, if you wouldn't go to the end of the table. Identify
Speaker 14
33:09
yourself and you may proceed with the Senate Bill 319. Yes, sir. Thank you for allowing me
to go out of order. This is just, this is representing Boyd's, Senator Boyd's, um, SB 319, uh, members, um, this is actually a very important bill to me, and I think this is a
very good bill. So what this bill does is it strengthens the protections that members of LLCs have now against creditors. So this is something that we have been working diligently on. I want to thank Represent Lindstrom for her help and assisting in this, um, so This became a real problem when I was contacted by some estate planning attorneys, um, who were telling me that they were now not forming Arkansas LLCs due to the lack of liability protection, and they were forming them in Texas for
Arkansas businesses. So this is vital that we clear this up and keep Arkansas competitive. So that's all this bill does. It in essence mirrors the Texas statute, um. This was Senator Boyd's bill and it got 31 votes in the Senate. There's no known opposition. I'd be glad to take any questions.
Speaker 97
34:11
All right. Are there any questions from the committee? Representative Lundstrom, you recognized for
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
34:16
your question. First of all, thank you for staying on this.
Um, it's been an issue for the last 2 years and so I appreciate that you
Chair
Unverified
34:25
stuck with it and do pass at the proper time. All right. Any other questions from the committee? So no. Is there anyone here speak for this bill to speak against this bill. See no Representative Maddox, you're recognized close for your bill. I'm close for my bill, and I would appreciate a good vote. All right, I have a Representativestrom, we're going to make that motion. Do pass. All right, got a motion. There was no one. No, there's no amendment,
uh, I got a motion by Representative Lundstrom, uh. God got a motion do pass by Representative Lundstrom. All those in favor say aye. All poll
say no. Congratulations. Representative Maddox your bill's passed. Thank you. Thank you committee.
Senator Boyd, if you would introduce yourself in which bill
Senator Justin Boyd
Unverified
36:02
you're wanting to run, and then you may proceed with your testimony. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Senator Justin Boyd, this is on Senate Bill 329, uh, which is to establish a regulatory framework for online marketplace
Brad Neil
Unverified
36:13
guarantees and Mr. Chair, my name is Brad Neil with Converge
Senator Justin Boyd
Unverified
36:20
Public Strategies. So I'm, I'm gonna start with your permission, Mr. Chair, and what this bill does is exactly what, what I just said. It seeks to
establish a regulatory framework for online marketplace guarantees, and that's necessary for companies to do business in Arkansas. So the real crux of the matter of this is what is a guarantee and what is an online marketplace, right? So let's start with examples of online marketplaces. So online marketplaces with guarantees right now Arturo, which is a car rental. place, Airbnb short term rentals, TaskRabbit, which is a freelance labor and Rover, which is dog sitting. So these are all
examples of one online marketplaces, but also online marketplaces that uh use guarantees. So the question is, why do I keep saying the guarantee is because the, the question is what is a guarantee and what is insurance. So what I would say an example of a guarantee is, is if I have a minor child and I co-sign a loan, I am making a guarantee. Uh, so the Supreme Court has been very clear on what is a guarantee versus what
is insurance in the case Cherry vers Dandy Inc. And so with that said, I'm gonna hand it over to Brad here
Speaker 110
37:39
to talk more about the bill specifically. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, I want to say thank
Speaker 108
37:45
you to the sponsors, Senator Boyd, Representative Burkes for their interest in this issue, for bringing this bill forward. I do work with companies that within 4 companies that can and do offer these types of guarantees, and this will be beneficial to them and to consumers to have this
sort of statutory certainty. I think just to highlight a couple of elements of the bill. The senator talked about the defining an online marketplace. easiest way to think about that is it's most commonly your peer to peer type marketplaces where you have one person offering a service. You have a consumer that wants to use that service, and then you have either an online or an application that connects them. So if you think about Uber, you think about
Lyft, you think about Euro for car sharing, Airbnb for homes. Those are examples of online marketplaces. I think the senator covered the nature The guarantee. Well, these guarantees happen every day in our lives, you know, a parent co-signing a loan as a form of a guarantee a contractor, a general contractor guaranteeing the work of a subcontractor, so this is not uncommon, just in our in our everyday practice. There are already 24 states with
a general exemption in their laws that captures the type of guarantee contemplated by this bill for online marketplaces, but with the specificity that this bill contains. Arkansas is not one of those 24 states, Arkansas does have favorable case law, that indicates that this is not insurance, not regulated as insurance as long as it is ancillary to the principal business, and so it it it it would, you know, we
in this bill also contains a number of consumer protections that we think are important when these guarantees are offered so that all the parties to the transaction understand the nature of the transaction, so we think that this would, uh, it would be beneficial to address this in statute rather than relying on case law that really was developed before online marketplaces were even contemplated or existed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm happy to take any questions. Thank you
for your testimony. We do have a question, Representative Dalby, you're recognized.
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
40:08
Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I'm reading through this and I'm trying to listen and read, I read it earlier this week and then I've come back and looked at it again, um. I understand, I understand insurance. I understand guarantee, but if you have a, uh, the guarantee is, are they, let's say we have a problem and something happens and the guarantee doesn't cover the loss, can the consumer still go after the insurance, or are we
Speaker 108
40:40
just saying you only have either the guarantee or nothing. I Well, it depends. It would be a fact specific scenario. So if you have a guarantee, for example, that is backed by a reimbursement insurance policy which is permitted here under that circumstance, there is some recourse for the consumer if the guarantee is not honored when it should be by by the online marketplace. Can you
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
41:06
point to me where that is? Is that on page 5.
Speaker 117
41:13
Line 27, is that where you're referring to the reimbursement insurance policy. Yes You good Miss Representative
Chair
Unverified
41:44
Dalby. I didn't know if you were still looking it over there. Yeah, not really, but.
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
41:53
All right. Any other questions from the committee of Representative Longstrom, you're recognized for your question. This whole
Senator Justin Boyd
Unverified
42:01
thing is throwing me off. What problem are we trying to solve and how do you think this solves it? I think So again, you go back to these are service online marketplaces. So Uber would be a service, right? And so the crux of the
matter is this sets up the structural framework for them to offer guarantees as opposed to insurance. So I'm a company. And I have. Something incidental to the business I'm in, not I'm a third party company that has nothing to do with that and I offer something called insurance. So it offers a guarantee which, again, if So again, a guarantee is I'm
I have a business and I make a promise to somebody who is related to this business. So I have, so in this case, I have a platform, right? Then I have somebody who's actually doing the service and then I have someone buying the service. So the platform is making a guarantee to one of those parties as opposed to A whole another party
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
43:08
offering insurance. I guess I'm struggling. What's the difference between a guarantee
Senator Justin Boyd
Unverified
43:12
and insurance. So an example of a guarantee a
guarantees a promise. It's an indemnification. It's not something
Speaker 110
43:25
that It's What Well, the, um, With a guarantee you have the guarantee you have 3 parties involved with
Speaker 108
43:34
insurance, you know, you go to an insurer and you pay them premium and then they indemnify you for whatever is covered under that policy. Here it's really a three party transaction, so you have one
person who is contracting to receive, let's say a service from someone else, and the online marketplace is facilitating that transaction, and they would like to be able to guarantee you that you will be satisfied that whatever they've said is going to happen is going to happen, right? And so they do this through a guarantee. It doesn't under existing law, it shouldn't need to be an insurance policy that does that because there's no, there's no rating of this. It's not like it's individually underwritten
the risk is not evaluating in that way, and so we, this is really permitted under existing law under the case law. But it's not addressed in the statute and the case law that's out there is pretty old and it predates there being online marketplaces, so from our perspective we think it would be beneficial to have it directly addressed in the statute that this is defined, identified, allowed, and then we
Senator Justin Boyd
Unverified
44:52
well. So Representative I'm sure money kind of go back in Cherry versus Tandy, this is from 1997, the Supreme Court offered 3 considerations. So again, it has to be incidental to a business you're already in, not, not some other business out here that's trying to, to, to do this, whether the contract is mandatory whether a profit motive exists and then most importantly, whether the contract is intended to be actuarially sound. So when you go guarantee of
Alone, when you go cosign a loan for your child, then the bank, while they might be vetting you to make sure that
you have the finances to back that up. They're not making a determination that you're actuarly sound, and that's the key difference.
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
45:39
So, well, when you do have a co-signed loan, you're on the hook for that loan. They're gonna come back and want money from you if
Senator Justin Boyd
Unverified
45:46
they default. That's why they have co-signers. And if, if you're an online marketplace service online marketplace and you make a guarantee, then you're on the hook.
For that guarantee, and this puts the structure in
Speaker 66
46:00
place, and this is where it goes back to That you can, what was the insurance what we call those points. Of the
Senator Justin Boyd
Unverified
46:11
service which one? The type of insurance plans. um I'm not sure. So you can either, if you're the service company, you, the online marketplace, right? You can either buy an insurance plan to protect the consumer, or you can have adequate financing,
adequate dollars in the bank, adequate investment in
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
46:30
order to back that up. So it's a guarantee less expensive than
Senator Justin Boyd
Unverified
46:33
insurance? Is that what we're getting at? So the companies who the online marketplace companies that offer the service, they want to be able to do that themselves rather than Hiring or paying for insurance
after the fact or hiring or paying for an insurance policy to
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
46:47
do it, OK, I'll get out of the queue. I know there are other
Chair
Unverified
46:53
questions, but I'm, um. I'll listen. Thank you, Representative Lindstrom. Representative
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
46:57
Ferguson, you're recognized for your question. Uh Well thank you Mr. Chair. I saw Representative Doy Poynton, did you have
Chair
Unverified
47:09
an explanation? I did not. It was just some conversation between, uh, Representative Dolby
Representative Kenneth B. Ferguson
Unverified
47:14
and I. OK. I, I was Senator Boyd, I was trying to get an understanding of this phrase called guarantee. Instead of insurance.
Senator Justin Boyd
Unverified
47:28
So the companies want to do the guarantee themselves. Yes, if, if you were Turo, you would be offering the guarantee as opposed to some insurance company making insurance. So the, it what it is doing is it's putting the structure in place to make sure that the companies are adequately backed to offer the guarantees. So what,
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
47:52
what, one more question. So when Curro
Doesn't under the guarantee, then what
Speaker 110
48:03
happens this deal does what? Well, the, if they don't honor
Speaker 108
48:08
the guarantee, let's say they failed financially to honor it, a guarantee that they should have, then there are a couple of ways that they under the bill there are a couple of different ways that they demonstrate their ability to do that. They do that either through showing proof of like market cap or cash on hand, but they also do that through a reimbursement insurance policy
that we were talking about earlier and so that's where there would be under that scenario. there
Speaker 133
48:37
would be an insurance policy backing it as well. One final question, who do I file my claim with with Turo directly with
Speaker 108
48:45
Turro, and when they turned me down, then what did I do? Then you have recourse either through under this scenario under this bill through the Department of Insurance to who issues the authority for them to use the guarantee or through the insurance if there's an insurer
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
49:02
backing it, so the insurance department for the state of Arkansas will make sure to that guaranteed good if they refuse to honor their guarantee, right? Yes, and they have the authority under this legislation. Yes, they have to be
Chair
Unverified
49:18
registered. OK. I get out to you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Representative Ferguson. Representative Grandook you recognized for
Representative Kenneth B. Ferguson
Unverified
49:27
your question. I, I think I'm good, but, and Representative Maker and I were just talking. Can you just make
it a very, very concrete guy not in insurance for like an Uber. How does this work in Uber? So. A Uber provides a guarantee to the consumer. Then so that the cost of the ride
Speaker 110
49:50
will be 1. Uh, Uber does not currently offer a guarantee, yeah, but in this situation it really, really clear
Speaker 108
49:58
for me, a good example would be Airbnb, where they, you, you own the house, right, and you want to
offer that house up to be rented, and then other someone else is going to be the guest and they're going to be the one renting it. Airbnb wants to guarantee you that if there's damage to the house under contractually that guest owes you. for the damage. That's what the contract says. If that guest fails to pay for that damage, Airbnb guarantees you they'll pay you for the damage and then they'll decide whether to go after the guest and recoup it so
Speaker 140
50:32
that you're not left stranded. OK, and so it would be an Airbnb
Senator Justin Boyd
Unverified
50:39
it be similar models and other other thank you. Yeah, so Turo, Airbnb, TaskRabbit, and Rover are all examples that currently offer service or service online marketplaces that offer guarantees. All right.
Chair
Unverified
50:52
Thank you, Representative Graham, Representative Wootton, uh, you recognized for your question. I would like to say we do have a few questions deep here, so just, uh, just make sure you,
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
51:01
make y'all aware of that. If I understand what you're doing, it's, it's kind of like
self-insurance. They, they, uh, That's exactly right the guarantee. But then if, if they don't feel that they're financially sound, then they'll get a guarantee from an insurance company to cover their
Speaker 147
51:22
guarantee. Is that, is that what we're saying? Yes, you could get the reimbursement insurance plans.
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
51:31
OK, but, but who, who checks to see if they're financially capable to do that, is it the insurance
Speaker 152
51:39
department or through the registration. process they have to demonstrate that they have to demonstrate that it's it's I think
Speaker 108
51:46
it's analogous to self insurance, not directly the same, just like it's analogous to there's already an Arkansas statute, there is already the service contract model law that allows for service contracts to be offered in a similar way. So let's say you have an iPhone, right, and when you buy the iPhone, they offer you AppleCare in case you damage your iPhone. That's an example of a service
contract that's not insurance, but that they are guarantee
Speaker 152
52:12
that they'll it's a service contract. The guarantees are analogous to that. OK, all right, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chair
Unverified
52:22
Thank you, Representative Wooton. Representative Dalby, you recognize your. You don't have Representative Eve's for your question. Did you say Airbnb already offers this guarantee? Yes, sir.
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
52:29
So I think I understand what you're doing, but if they already are doing it, what are we? Solving why do we need to do
Speaker 108
52:40
this? There's nothing in the statute that authorizes the online marketplace guarantee specifically. There's the case law that we think captures it, but it would certainly be better to have this specifically authorized in the statute. Are you running into a problem? We have not run into a problem here in the state of Arkansas. There are
Brad Neil
Unverified
53:01
inquiries in other states where are they, are the inquiries saying that a guarantee is
Chair
Unverified
53:06
insurance, and that's what we're fixing. Yes, sir. OK, that helps. Thank you.
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
53:13
Thank you, Representative Eaves. Representative McGrew, you're recognized for your question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There's one thing maybe I should get it, but I didn't, so this company offers a guarantee, and for whatever reason they decide they're not going to honor that guarantee. What How am I going to get my money then? Am I going to have to Go after them civilly or is there anything in this bill? You're, you're gonna go to the insurance commissioner. They have to they have
Speaker 158
53:37
to register with the insurance commissioner and that's your recourse. Thank you.
Chair
Unverified
53:43
All right, thank you. Thank you, Representative McGrew. Representativestrom, you recognized
Speaker 110
53:53
for your question. How does this protect the consumer? There are a
Speaker 108
53:57
number of, well, first in the financial so I would call them the solvency provisions. It makes sure that anyone who's telling you they're going to guarantee something, they have the financial ability to back it up, and then secondly, there are a number of disclosures in there that make sure that the consumers
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
54:14
understand the nature of the of the guarantee that's being offered. Um, is there anybody from the insurance commissioner here that can. reassure us this, this is
a little bit confusing in the weeds, so I
Chair
Unverified
54:25
wanna see if. Ah, they appear, yeah, I believe so. And if y'all, uh, Mr. Harris, Mr. McClay, if you would go to the end table. Introduce yourself and you may proceed to answer questions. Jimmy's right there. Alan McLean Insurance commissioner.
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
54:47
Jimmy Harris, Deputy Commissioner Market regulation. Um, I'm trying to get comfortable with this bill. Can
Speaker 164
54:56
you tell me how this protects the consumer? Well, from a regulatory perspective, I mean, that's, that's our mission is
Speaker 167
55:04
consumer protection, so if the bill As the bill is passed, we're we're, we're, we're charged to set rules and and of course financial solvency is in the bill, so we'll make sure that that that that they're solvent
and then we'll set in place a process to resolve disputes. So in terms of the, you know, the subject matter of the bill. I really can't speak to, we're not for or against the bill, but we definitely will uh put all the guard rails in place through our rulemaking provisions that you've given us to make sure that that the bill. gives us to make sure that
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
55:38
we can adjudicate any concerns that come up. I, I see on page. for line. 10, it says maintain a cash
balance or net worth of at least $50 million. Do you check that to make sure that they
Speaker 168
55:56
have that cash balance and how do you, how does that work? Hm Right, we, we have
Speaker 167
56:01
a whole financial solvency team that does nothing every day except a review solvency and financial uh documents for insurance companies. This will put this in the same
Chair
Unverified
56:13
type of process. OK, thank you. Thank you, Representative Lindstrom. Representative Perry, you're recognized for your question.
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
56:19
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, I'm looking at on the solvency issue, the reinsurance company on page 4 has to have the market capitalization of 200 million, not the actual
Speaker 142
56:39
company providing the service. Correct. No. Yeah. So
Speaker 175
56:49
OK. That this is, this is actually the the provider that they're referring to, the provider must maintain a market cap of at least $200 million. So Turo
Speaker 176
57:00
would have to have a market capitalization. OK, yes, on acurities exchange
Speaker 175
57:04
registered as a national securities exchange, etc. Yes, sir. So it's not gonna be a fly by night company if
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
57:10
they have those kind of assets, yeah, so. Or they have to have a reimbursement policy, correct?
OK. I understand that. The uh would this be state-specific. So if I'm in Hawaii and I use turo when I was in Hawaii, so, uh. If I had a claim, would it be based on Arkansas since I'm a resident of Arkansas or in Hawaii. Hawaii, OK, yeah, the, the consultant behind you, commissioner is telling me he's giving
Chair
Unverified
57:46
you head signals. All right, thank y'all.
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
57:52
Thank you, Representative Perry. Representative McGrew, you're recognized for your question. Just wanted to help me understand so if, if a guarantee is made and they do not honor that guarantee. And
Speaker 175
58:07
they said that then they would contact you. What were the steps, what will you do? This bill. word would make this program not insurance. So if you look at line 4, or I'm sorry, page 4. You'll see online marketplace guarantees and what
they can and can't do. I'm sorry, page 4 line 33. OK, let's say the following activities by the provider did not constitute the transaction of insurance and are likewise exempt under the insurance code and you can go to page 5 and, and, and you'll see. Those things, you know, marketing, providing, selling, etc. determining amounts payable under these guarantees, uh, so, so that would, that would not fall under our
Speaker 179
58:48
regulatory authority. So when they said if this
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
58:54
company decides they don't want to honor the guarantee for whatever reason. He said contact the insurance commissioner at that point.
Speaker 175
59:08
It becomes a civil thing between This really doesn't protect. Theoretic, I'm sorry. Go ahead. Theoretically they're, they're, you know, the provider is not gonna just refuse to pay. Uh, I believe if the backing insurer is there in case, you know, the provider
becomes insolvent for whatever reason. Um, but I don't, I, you
Speaker 179
59:29
know, I don't. There is guaranteed to pay for the damages. It really takes the insurance commission out of it then. Yes, sir. Thank you. Thank
Speaker 89
59:41
you, Representative McGrew. Any of the questions from the committee?
Chair
Unverified
59:47
See none. Is there anyone here to speak for this bill? Anyone here to speak against this bill?
See none Senator Boy recognized clothes for your bill. Thank you committee
Senator Justin Boyd
Unverified
1:00:02
for the opportunity to present Senate Bill 329 to you. There were a lot of questions. This is a lot simpler than what it is. We want to be a business friendly state in order for these companies to come in and operate in the state, they need the regulatory framework to feel comfortable and to do these things. Case law supports that what a company doing something
incidental to a business already does, if like if I rent property and I want to do something else on the property that's incidental too. That's what a guar so you have to be doing something incidental too. And then you follow the case law and You this is basically codifying that. It's putting the structure in place to make sure that there's adequate capitalization or the reimbursement policies in place so that these companies can go forward and offer an online marketplace guarantee on
a service company. And again, when we say that we're not talking about Amazon, who is offering a product we're talking about a service provider. So they are doing this, they're doing this without issue in other states. We want them to be able to come into the state of Arkansas. do this and feel comfortable about it and at the same time, make sure that the adequate structure is there to protect the consumer. With that said, I'm closed, uh, it does feel good to be back in house insurance and commerce. I hope y'all will uh give this uh due
Chair
Unverified
1:01:27
pass and a good vote. Thank you. What's the will of the committee I
got a motion to pass this proper motioning discussion on this motion. All those in favor say aye I say no. Congratulations, Senator Boyd, your bill's
passed. We brown. If you would just go to the end of the table and
Epson Brown has two bills, 1736 and 1737. and 1746. I apologize. He has 3 bills on the 2nd page of the agenda. Thank you,
Speaker 187
1:02:10
Mr. Chair. Can I ask, uh, Mr. McCain to be able to join me at the table. Yes, sir.
Speaker 189
1:02:17
Mr. McKinney, please introduce yourself. Um, Cliff McKenny, um, attorney at Cuba Grooms in Little Rock, and I'm here on behalf of the Arkansas Bar Association. Thank you. You may proceed with
your testimony and do identify which bill you're starting with, sir.
Speaker 191
1:02:30
identify for the committee which bill you're starting with Mayors, we start with 1736. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you committee. Um, this is the first of a package of our bills at the bar associations have brought to us this session. Um, I would like to, uh, As Michael Scott says, I'm not superstitious, but I'm a little stitious, so I'm not going to jinx myself by saying it's a simple bill, but I think it's a simple bill. I'm sure many of y'all are aware we have the uniform commercial code. It's been adopted in all 50 states. It, it's what makes things like being able to write a check to someone in Oklahoma actually work. Oklahoma's laws regarding like check cashing and check
deposits and things are the same as Arkansas's laws are the same as New York's. And so it's a very, very thick
Chair
Unverified
1:03:07
book of laws. It's actually pretty well written, produced by the Uniform commissioner uniform law commissioners uniform law commission, and I'm also one of
Speaker 191
1:03:13
the states. Informed law commissioners, very smart group of people that look at these things and so from time to time, they will come out with updates and I believe 1736 is the 2022 update they have suggested that states adopt in their UCC to bring it into compliance. I'll let Mr. McKinney talk a little bit
Speaker 192
1:03:28
more detail about the actual changes. Certainly this is a particularly
large bill is the largest update to the UCC, we're doing the short one first, OK, sorry about that. Uh, so this is the amendment to Article 9 of the UCC. This is to address the issue. It's called the pick your partner principle. Uh, what's happened is there's been a split amongst courts across the country, uh, as to what happens when a bank forecloses on an interest in a LLC or other, some other partnerships, some other type of
act, when there's multiple people who are partners. So let's say you and two other folks are in business, and one of your partners pledges their interest in the business to secure some other loan that they have. The question has been what happens when if they get foreclosed on and they lose their interest to the bank. This is the bank now your partner? And what conventional wisdom has been is that no, the bank's not your partner, the bank's entitled to their 1/3 income
stream from the business, but you don't have to go to the bank to ask, can I buy a new truck or can I operate my business how I want to operate it. The purpose of this bill is to make that the law because there's been some courts, not here in Arkansas, but in some other states that have said, oh no, if, if the bank takes that interest in foreclosure. now your partner, and they now have a say in how you run your business. Uh, and so what this says is, no, the bank will get
their share of the income, but they're not your partner and you don't have to let them make your business decisions with you. So it's estab it's establishing in the law to pick your partner principal. And I would just add on if I remember correctly,
Speaker 191
1:05:20
I think earlier this session we had a similar bill with dealing with LLC interests. It's kind of the same thing. It's to protect the members of the LLC but that will take any questions. Any, any questions from the committee?
Speaker 14
1:05:40
OK. Um, seeing that, is there anyone else who anyone who would like to speak against this bill? Anyone else who likes to pick for this bill? OK. Um, you are recognized Represent Brown to close your bill.
Speaker 6
1:05:54
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just add there's no known opposition.
I'd appreciate a good vote. I have a motion to pass by Representative Dalby. Um, that's a proper motion or any discussion on the motion. OK, saying that all in favor,
Speaker 191
1:06:11
say aye. Congratulations, you've passed your bill.
Speaker 56
1:06:14
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Can we do 1746 now?
Speaker 191
1:06:19
Yes, sir. Yes, sir. You may proceed with 1746. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Matt Brown is 55. This is the big update that the uniform law commissioners have put out, I believe it's the 2018 update to the UCC. Uh, it makes a lot of what I would consider technical corrections at UCC, for example, uh, incorporates protected series. That's a new kind of an entity form that the legislature passed just before the pandemic,
which is actually really cool but most people don't know about it, so I'd suggest you look into it, especially on real estate. It's actually a really neat thing. Uh, cleans up some language. Selectronic signatures, cleans up some language on electronic checks, as you know when you write a paper check, it's it's scanned in the scan check now becomes legal check. This just clarifies if you dispose of the original paper check, you know, the image is now the legal check. I'll let Mr.
Speaker 192
1:07:03
McKinney get into some of the other details that it does. Certainly, and this is the largest update that you, that youLC has made to the
UCC since the 1990s. So this is obviously quite an expansive bill. There's a lot of issues in here, mostly technical correction. There is a new article 12 to deal with online digital assets and give banks a framework on how they could take a a lien on those types of assets. The bill has now been passed in 25 states. I checked my update right before I came in, and we've had a number of other states just a couple days ago, Texas is now introduced it. Florida has now introduced it.
So it's quickly spreading across the whole country to get this updated. It also This is a problem we have in our law today. The country of El Salvador decided to make Bitcoin an official fiat currency of the nation of El Salvador, which under our current law we're supposed to recognize as currency the fiat currency of countries that were in good standing with, including El Salvador. This closes that hole and says that no, Bitcoin is not money, uh, and we don't have to
treat it as currency in Arkansas. So that's a technical fix in here too that's frankly relatively important because ever since El Salvador did that, uh, that's left a hole in our state that arguably Bitcoin is currency because of El Salvador's recognition of it. So, and again, I can do my best to answer whatever other questions you have about this bill, it is an extremely long one. I understand that, but here to do what I can. Any questions from the committee?
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
1:08:46
Yeah, no. Is there anyone who'd like to speak against this
Speaker 6
1:08:50
bill? Anyone else like to speak for this bill. You, you recognized Represent Brown. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Again, no known opposition. I'd appreciate a
good vote. Um, motion to pass from Representative Gramlich. All in favor say aye. I say no. Congratulations, you've passed your bill. Mr. Chair, may we do 1737 now. Yes, and since this is a new bill, I know it seems odd, but going to introduce yourself and maybe your guest in himself again, please. Thank you, Mr.
Chair
Unverified
1:09:17
Chair. Thank you committee. Matt Brown District 55. Cliff McKinney, here on behalf of the Arkansas Bar
Speaker 191
1:09:22
Association. Thank you. You may proceed. This bill is a one-page bill. It does only one thing. It adds fiber optic communication service to the Transmitting Utility Act, and I'll let Mr. McKinney handle any
Speaker 192
1:09:33
questions y'all may have about why they want to do that. So what this does is we have an act from the 1960s that clarifies how you record a lien against lines that cross multiple county lines, so electric lines actually our, our
current bill does a great job of addressing telegraph lines and how you handle those. The bill has not been, the law has not been updated since the 1960s. All this does is add fiber optic communication lines, broadband internet service, and other similar, uh, data transmission lines to the scope of this act to fall in with telephones, telegraphs, oil, gas, other pipelines, so that this is just frankly I view it as a technical correction that it's been the law is old and we're just updating it to modern times.
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
1:10:19
Thank you. Any questions from the committee? Sean, anyone would like to speak against this bill? For this bill
Speaker 191
1:10:26
the close bro. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, we had a few, I had a few people reach out to me in terms of broadband utilities. We made sure they were good with the
language and there's no known opposition and uh appreciate a good vote. Motion do pass by Representative Dalby. All in favor say aye. Anyfo say no. Congratulations, you've passed your bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Thank you. Where's some Kavanaugh? You've been very
patient waiting, which I appreciate, um, you may come to the table
Representative Frances Cavenaugh
Unverified
1:10:59
and present your bill. Mr. Chair, if I can have Secretary McDonald to come up to. Uh, state
rep District 30, Frank Kavanaugh. The bill, I'm going to present, oh, you'll need to introduce yourself. I'm sorry.
Hugh Mcdonald
Unverified
1:11:13
Good morning, Hugh McDonald, Secretary of Commerce. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Representative Frances Cavenaugh
Unverified
1:11:22
the bill is a bill brought to us by the Department of Commerce is trying to make some changes into what um the secretary can do, so they actually can do some shared service and some efficiency
Chair
Unverified
1:11:35
and saving money, and with that, I'll let the secretary talk more about it. Thank you, Representative Kavanaugh, as, as
Hugh Mcdonald
Unverified
1:11:42
she said, uh, This bill is really consistent with the governor's Arkansas forward effort to try to create more efficiencies and effectiveness in state government.
And the intent here is to really to clarify that the banking securities and insurance departments actually can participate in um in shared services organizations within the Department of Commerce to the extent It's consistent with state and federal law. And that's that's pretty much it. It's a simple bill actually,
Representative Frances Cavenaugh
Unverified
1:12:13
if you think about it. But if it'll save us money, it's a good thing, so, and with that, I'd take any questions. All
Chair
Unverified
1:12:20
right. Do you have any questions from the committee?
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
1:12:25
Representative Wooton you recognized for your question. Representative and Secretary McDonald, we talked about this. We discussed it, you and I, if you, um, When I was out there running the Department of Commerce, we had, I had that authority, but I think you summed it up when you said it's just to clarification. It is a clarification, yes. So, in other words, you have the authority now, but you want to
Speaker 201
1:12:57
clarify to be sure you have the authority.
Representative Frances Cavenaugh
Unverified
1:13:04
Yes, sir. All right. Thank you. Represent root and I think there has been some You know, side saying that really they don't have that, especially after the transformation, and this is really trying to clarify that,
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
1:13:15
especially after the transformation, they have the authority. Well, yeah, I agree. But like I said, I had that authority when I was out there. And so it's just a clarification.
Relative to, and I understand the insurance industry and the banking industry and thecurities are, you know, they're all special revenue provided, but at the same time, they incorporated in the Department of Commerce, so I guess the clarification is
Chair
Unverified
1:13:46
for that reason. Yes, sir. Yes,
Hugh Mcdonald
Unverified
1:13:49
and it's, it's also, and, and there's nothing in here that will um We're we're ensuring that special revenues for banking support banking and don't support.
Chair
Unverified
1:14:01
You know, A lot of administrative overhead elsewhere, so, OK. OK. None of that's changing. That's correct. Thank you.
Thank you, Representative Wooten. Representative Ferguson, you're recognized for your
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
1:14:19
question. That he was. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just a quick question, uh, uh, Mr. Secretary, uh, You got a bank commissioner, you got securities commissioner. So when we talk about shared
services. If the security department runs short on security examiners and you got enough folk with the uh in the division for the bank commissioner, will you be able to switch out some of these individuals to kind of help out if you are.
Hugh Mcdonald
Unverified
1:14:51
Is this, is this what this does, this really wouldn't affect the examiner function because those are specific different functions of security examiner is
different than a banking examiner. What this really is is the the administrative functions like uh in IT. Um, marketing communications, human resources, fiscal procurement, those administrative and general functions where you can organize more efficiently across departments as opposed to each one of those departments having their own HR IT department. All right, thank
Speaker 159
1:15:32
you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Thank you, Representative Ferguson.
Chair
Unverified
1:15:40
Representative Lustrom, you can ask for your question? do pass at the proper time. OK. Any other questions from the committee? See none. Anyone here to speak for this bill? Anyone speak against this bill? See none
Representative Frances Cavenaugh
Unverified
1:15:53
Representative Kavanaugh, you recognized clothes for your bill. Thank you, members. I, I appreciate a good vote. This is just trying to make clarification so that that the department can work more efficiently and I'd appreciate a good vote.
Chair
Unverified
1:16:04
Representative Lustrom, you're recognized to present your motion. Do pass is a motion. Any discussion on the motion? I was in favor say aye. All
opposed say no. Congratulations, Representative Gavanaugh, your bill is passed.
Thank you, members. Thank you, Reverent Kavanaugh. I believe Represent Duke is Here If you'd like to go to the table and
Speaker 14
1:16:37
Introduce yourself and I believe you have
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
1:16:41
HB 1794. And you can proceed with your testimony. Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. I
hope Hope Duke District 12. So, um, thank you members for allowing me to be here and to present this bill, um,
as many of you all know, my district or some of y'all know my district borders to, uh, states, Missouri and Oklahoma. And over the last, it's over the last couple of years, I've had some licensees. Ask me, Arkansas licensees and real estate, asked me why they are able to get, um,
continue an education exemptions in, in particular, Missouri, like, why they can get those there, but we don't have a pathway for that in Arkansas, and I thought that was a pretty good point. So I started working on this and started asking some questions. I started with the Missouri law. And then um I also in conversations with other members, other folks in other industries and professions, found out there's lots of industries and professions that have pathways to Exemptions from continuing education, where in the real estate, there are some pathways
to some waiver, but not some exemptions. So I started looking at that a little bit more and trying to decide what would be the best way to to do this. So I had several drafts. I shared them with several different people. I showed them to the real estate commission and to the Real Estate Association and through my different drafts, worked through lots of different options, trying to make it tighter and cleaner and make it where everyone was comfortable. They've given the Real Estate Association has Um, worked with me on this, and so I'm going to try to go through this bill and, um, kind of hit the highlights. I know
you guys have looked through this, but I really appreciated having that input because I think we did a pretty good job of giving a pathway that people feel The most comfortable with it. So, um, I'm gonna get these notes here. So the first part of it that um is gonna provide for uh, you have to do a written application. It is going to have to go to um the commission and it be they decide on when you look on page 2. You first have to hit those points.
Of I, um, in the online for an online 6. And if you hit one of those points and you drop down to the next piece, which allows you to apply for this exemption. And in those, you have to be 72 years old, starting out with the salesperson or associate broker, um, have an active sales Arkansas license for the consecutive 25 years, and that was part in part making sure that they're engaged in the license and also up there above, you see on on line six, it talks about achievements and part of the things that we wanted to make sure on this is that people
who've been actively engaged in insurance, not just holding the license for 25 years, so that gives them an opportunity to kind of look back and make sure that they have actually been involved in real estate. um, instead of like sometimes people get it and they keep it, but they're not doing so much with it. Um, the other piece of that is there's not to be any disciplinary action taken against them by the commission during the five years proceeding. So again, just making sure they're doing what they're supposed to be doing. And then again, you'll see there's also a, um, no delinquent continuing ed that they haven't missed that or anything for the 5 years preceding this. And so that
applies. That exemption for the salesperson or the associate broker. Then the next piece of it goes on to the executive broker and the principal broker, same thing, written in application, you see the years there again as well, um, have to have had that active. ci al broker, executive growth work license for the 25 years consecutive. Um, then also no disciplinary action against themselves or a licensee that they are over in their brokerage. And so that's an important piece too for the preceding 5 years, and then the next piece again, they don't
have any delinquent delinquent continuing ed, um, for themselves or licensee that they are uh managing in the time preceding that. So, also, the final piece I think I want to highlight on this, hopefully I haven't missed anything, is that this is The board
does approve this. The commissioner does approve this, um, but it also can be revoked. So if something happens in the course of time that was a concern a lot of people had about
whether the brokers, if, if they had a violation or one of their people they're supposed to be managing have a violation. How do we make sure that we take care of the interests of the
public and so the, the commission, when they see that they can bring that back in and they can revoke that, um, license if they feel that that is necessary and deemed and of course also they can deny the initial appeal as well.
So I think I've pretty much hit the highlights on that, at least I've tried, and with that, I'll do my best to answer any questions.
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
1:21:06
Thank you for your presentation. McGreg, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And Representative Duke, I think this is a well-needed bill, long, long overdue. I think it's
a great bill, but I do have a question. I have a license as a master electrician. This similar law applies to me at 65, of which I know a lot of do it 65. I'm old enough. I don't think 65 is that old anymore, but But I think 65 is the more appropriate age, and there's a lot more changes in the electrical world than they are in the real estate world. Why 72 instead of 65. Thank
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
1:21:38
you for your question, and I've had a lot of people ask me that question as well. I think that that is just, this is a new
um concept in the real estate world and I think this gave people a little bit more comfort that we're having, especially when the broker piece that the people who are overseeing licensees are. are well qualified and this that language has made them a little bit people a little bit more comfortable with
it. I think I'm hopeful that as we see this enacted, if it makes it through into law that maybe we can revisit that at a later date, at
65, but I think 72, that was again, kind of, we negotiated and went back and forth on that age a little bit. I think that was a, the sweet spot for the time being. So I
Speaker 209
1:22:27
appreciate your question. I, and I do understand that
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
1:22:31
that's different in some other exemptions in other industries. Thank you. Representative Wooton, you recognize for a question. I
Chair
Unverified
1:22:38
have a motion that's appropriate time. Thank you, sir.
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
1:22:41
Representative Eaves, he recognized. Thank you. Why do we have continuing education for real
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
1:22:45
estate professionals. I do thank, thank you for your
question. Um, I, I can't speak for why the real estate commission and the Association provides that. I do think it helps to keep them up to date. There are different times in our industry that some things can happen. We had some significant items happened this last time, this past year, um, but I do think that if you have been in the industry for a long period of time and you've been exemplary in your job, that there does come
a point in time where maybe you could even teach the class that you're going to. And so I think if someone has demonstrated that, they need to be able to have that
ability to reap the rewards of their work in that industry for all of these years. They do think it does serve a purpose in that time period preceding it. I think maybe
there's some room for some changes in the continuing education pieces of the real estate, um, industry, but I didn't address
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
1:23:33
that with this bill. I know the real estate industry's had some significant changes happen in the past year or so, if we didn't allow
Representative Les D. Eaves
Unverified
1:23:39
or didn't require continuing education. Now how would a a real real estate broker that is going to be exempt if this passes. How would they be able to keep up with those things
that are changing and be all and, and I would
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
1:23:54
imagine that those things are there to protect the consumer. Yes, sir. Thank you for your question. Yes, they are. I again, I think it kind of goes
back to people who have proven their responsibility in the industry and your ability to keep up on it. You had that responsibility before during this continu edit when that law changed this last year. We don't always have something significant as happened in this proceeding year that we, that has happened in that industry. But again, I think somebody who has been in that industry for that amount of time has shown the ability and the
commission can review that because they're going to have the final say, right? It's an application is done automatic to be able to say, no, we need to hold off this year, but we're not going to
do an exemption this year or they know that this person has been proactive for the 25 years that they have been in the industry and they don't have a concern with giving them that approval. Again, it all comes back to their ability to, um, decide whether they want to grant that or not. It's not a blanket. One. Thank you for your question.
Chair
Unverified
1:24:51
Represent Star will ask for a question. Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair. Representative Duke, there would be nothing that would keep a real estate agent
Speaker 215
1:24:59
from going and taking their own time and money to brush up on any kind
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
1:25:04
of continuing ed, right, voluntarily. That is correct. And I, again, I think that folks that have demonstrated that leadership and that, um, The character and discipline over those 25 years in that industry would probably take that initiative in a year like this, where we've had some significant changes. They can
Chair
Unverified
1:25:23
absolutely go to continuing that again. Yeah, I would think so and do their due diligence to represent
Representative Les Warren
Unverified
1:25:36
their folks. Thank you. Thank you. Any other questions from the committee? Reno Warren? Representative, what I work pretty closely with the Arkansas Real Estate Commission. Have they taken a position
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
1:25:46
on this? They have not taken a position on this. They've worked with me on it, and I got it to a place that they were, they were not
comfortable with my initial draft, which was more of a blanket exemption. So, I can say that they worked with me on it and I don't know if neutral would be the right word for it cause I don't want to speak for them. Um, but they did not indicate that they opposed this draft of it. Most, I don't know that there's a piece that they gave me when I gave them this my draft initial draft to review. I put everything in it that they wanted. So I didn't take it, even the 72 years because That's not really where I wanted to land at to begin with, but that's what they felt was best and so I agreed to that as well.
Representative Les Warren
Unverified
1:26:23
OK, I, I, I would just say. My concern following
up on what Representative Eve said, and I being in the industry, I know that a lot happened last year. And even and I've got realtors beyond 72 who are still very active in the business. If they had not had to go through education, whether at their firm or Whatever Uh Access they had to continuing
ad. They could have really gotten into some tough water. Uh OK, I, I just needed to know that. Thank
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
1:27:05
you. Thank you, and I understand and I appreciate that question. I do understand the concern. I do believe, like I stated before, I think most of these folks who have been operating um above and beyond in the industry will do their due diligence when something like that occurs. And again, the Real Estate commission can always come back
Speaker 65
1:27:26
in and revoke a license if that revoke an exemption if they feel
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
1:27:37
that that is necessary. Thank you. Thank you, Warren. Any other questions from the committee? Right. How do they do continuing education now? Do they have to go to a class or can it be done online or is it super burdensome.
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
1:27:44
Thank you. They can go to a class or they can do it online. And they can do it both, both ways.
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
1:27:57
Thank you. Any other questions? Reverend and I believe you hit this, but you did say it could be
revoked if they are. there's issues that are occurring, they can pull that and say, no, you've got to go back to continuing it, correct? Yes, ma'am, that is correct. And you can go and look at the continuing ed classes anytime online if you are unsure of a particular issue, you can go back and. freshen up. Yes, ma'am. Thank you
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
1:28:24
for thank you. President McGur, you. Yeah, and just to, it did say in
your bill that they have to be operating consistently for 25 years. Is that correct? Yes, sir, that is correct. So they have proved capable for many years of this. And so I think and the continuing it which I'm taking online is It's a continually it is always good. I think they need to do something continuing that because the way it's online, I could have my secretary take it and they'd have never known the difference. And so I think there may need to be some changes in
that along the way and, and, but I think this is a very good bill. Uh, thank you for bringing it, and I believe there's proved their self to be qualified and
Speaker 14
1:29:10
I would like to see it lowered to 65. Thank you. OK, thank you. Any other questions from the committee? OK. Saying none, is there anyone
who would like to speak against this bill? Anyone else down who'd like to speak for this bill. President
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
1:29:24
Duke, you the close for your bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, members. Thank you for all the great questions.
I appreciate the opportunity to present this to you. I, I think that this is a good bill. I think that it will It will help Respect and honor people who've contributed to this industry for a long time and to the growth in our state of Arkansas. Again, they have to be well qualified.
There's a lot of layers to protect that there's not people getting it who have been kind of dormant in the industry for 25 years. They had to be active in the industry. It's not just holding the license, it's being active. It is something that has to be approved by the commission, and they also can
revoke it. So do you feel like that this was a, a good, I think it's a good bill that we worked to with the commission and with the, with the Realtors Association. and trying to get it to a really good spot that is a good starting place and maybe the place that we need to be, we'll know a whole lot more if we're able
to enact this. So thank you very much and I would appreciate a good vote. Thank you for your presentation. President Wooden, but you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I moved to pass. We have a motion to pass, so there's a proper motion. Members, is there any discussion on the motion?
OK. Seeing none, all in favor, motion do pass, say aye. Any opposed say no. Congratulations, you've passed your bill.
Speaker 14
1:30:39
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, members. Representative Warren, are you, would you like to go to the end
of the table? stop. If you would introduce yourself for the record and which, and the bill number that you are presenting, sir.
Representative Les Warren
Unverified
1:31:04
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Les Warren District 84, uh, SB
432. Thank you, sir. You may proceed. SB 432 is basically a catch-all for CPAs in the state of Arkansas. There's a growing shortage of accountants and CPAs in Arkansas and the rest of the country, our own Office of Personnel Management mentioned recently that accountants and CPAs are positions currently
difficult to fill with qualified applicants. American, the American Institute of CPAs estimates that 75% of the public accounting CPAs will retire within the next 15 years. Like many critical positions in our labor market, there's a pipeline problem. We have worked with the Arkansas State Board of Public Accounting, uh, labor and licensing in the Arkansas Society of CPAs to craft a bill to address this problem. So
that's what this bill is all about, and it's going to address several issues in one bill. Number one is exam fees, uh, they've gotten pretty steep for people sitting for the CPA exam. So the Arkansas State Board of Public Accounting has a pipeline initiative to waive or assume some of the fees for qualifying Arkansas exam candidates, which will ease the cost burden for sitting for the uniformed CPA exam.
Uh, with respect to experience, the Arkansas State Board of Public Accounting has proposed a plan that would provide an alternative pathway for licenser. Uh, this pathway really looks really goes back, uh, to the way all CPAs were licensed prior to the early 2000s, uh, get your degree, go to work, sit and pass the exam and then have one year of experience prior to being licensed. Uh, the industry changed and
required the current 150 hours prior to sitting for the exam, so students have gradually chosen an alternative career paths that don't require a 5th year of college. Uh, this bill would allow them to graduate and go to work immediately and gain experience prior to sitting for the exam rather than the 150 college hours. Uh, the Arkansas Society of CPAs fully supports the Arkansas society.
Of CPA's decision to offer an additional pathway to licener, And lastly, uh for substantial equivalency. This bill also moves the substantial equivalency out of the accountancy law and into the board rule so they can adopt future changes to the standard uniform Accountancy Act model language, uh, the industry periodically updates. It makes it easier for the ASBPA to adopt. Future changes to the uniform
Accountancy Act model language and board rules as it relates to substantial equivalency and mobility, and secondly, substantial equivalency and mobility are necessary for CPAs to work across state lines with one CPA license. So basically this bill updates the statutes for CPAs, allows them to get competitive again. And ease some of the cost, the Arkansas Society of CPAs and the
Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy are both in support of this, and I would be glad to
Representative Fred Allen
Unverified
1:34:58
take any questions. Any questions from the committee? President Valen right now. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and thank you last for bringing this bill. I have a question for you. What is the current uh CPA fee. Uh, do you know what it is I have got a gentleman that can answer that
Representative Les Warren
Unverified
1:35:17
question. I would, uh, Rodney would you mind coming to the our OK, I got a couple
Speaker 228
1:35:24
of guys who could answer that question. It, it wasn't in the bill. I didn't see it in the bill. He's
Representative Les Warren
Unverified
1:35:30
got, but I think I'll take a shot at it. OK, if you write that again, that's fine, sir, if you would just introduce
Speaker 229
1:35:36
yourself and you can proceed with your testimony. I'm Rodney Baker and I represent the, uh, Arkansas Society and certified public accountants. Uh, the fee
Representative Fred Allen
Unverified
1:35:47
currently I believe is $262.64. OK. Is that the That's the fee to take the test is that the the annual fee. So there is a fee to take the test, correct? That is a fee. OK. So, each time the person repeats if he in fact have to pay another $262 that's my understanding, yeah. So you'll be able to go East Burton. They're, they're going to help with those
fees. OK. All right. Thank you. Thank you so much. Any other questions from the
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
1:36:18
committee? Represent Wooton, you recognized. Representative Warren, thank you for this bill. Would you explain the 150 hour requirement now, what, what does this do for
Representative Les Warren
Unverified
1:36:35
that? It basically requires that they stay in college an extra year. It is instead of like a regular four-year college degree. They have to stay for an additional year for an additional 30 hours
in accounting, uh, so basically it's another year of college expense. In order to be qualified. to sit for the CPA exam, and if I'm wrong, you can correct me on that. So, and, and that was done in the early 2000s. They required another an additional year of college in order to be qualified to sit for a CPA exam. So this is taking it back to and what what they've seen is they
feel like now they can get the CPA degree. In 4 years Let them work And then sit for the exam
Speaker 237
1:37:32
and get just as good a CPA is a have right now with 150 hours. Yeah, well, thank you
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
1:37:38
very much for as a parent who got caught in that deal I'm glad to hear that. I agree with you motion
Speaker 14
1:37:49
that the appropriate time. any other questions? OK,
is there anyone like speak against this bill? And then when I'll speak
Representative Les Warren
Unverified
1:37:59
for this bill. Resident warn you recognize the clothes for your bill. I think this is long overdue, and I would make a motion to pass. We have a motion do pass. All in favor say aye. Any opposed say no. Congratulations, you have passed your bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you, committee. OK Representative Acre, do you have
a, do you have a bill that you could run fairly quickly. Um, we're going to try to break by noon today. Yeah OK, that's fine.
Speaker 240
1:38:55
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Committee. Representative Acre District 71.
Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker
Unverified
1:38:57
I'd like to present House Bill 1467, and with there's several members of the Department of Financial Services here that can come sit with me at the table, and I'd like to call them to the
Speaker 14
1:39:19
table now. Was that for, could you repeat that bill number, sir? House
Speaker 8
1:39:26
Bill 1467, 1467. If you would have your
Speaker 242
1:39:28
guests introduce themselves for the record and proceed with your testimony. Good morning, Mr. Chair. Good morning, committee. Susannah Marshall, commissioner of the
Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker
Unverified
1:39:39
State Securities department, state bank department. Karen Tierney, Arkansas Securities Department. Thank you. You may
proceed. Thank you committee. This is a bill that's brought to our attention from an emerging market. We've seen the development of what is called Bitcoin kiosks that are available in several convenience stores and the security department is proposing amendments to the current
uniform Money Services Act regarding these kiosks and the data security requirements. Um, it's supposed to strengthen these requirements, implement additional disclosure requirements on the operators, so, um, they're not identical in how ATMs operate, but ATMs as they currently operate do have. certain disclosures, limitations, and licensing requirements that we're trying to mirror for consumers who go into these facilities and then purchase Bitcoin through these terminals. Um, they've worked with uh the largest, um, I guess
supplier of these in the state to come to agreed-upon language on how to operationally keep this available to the consumer, but mere protections that we see in other areas, and with that, I welcome any
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
1:40:40
questions. in Dolby, he recognized. Why are we
Speaker 243
1:40:45
defining elder adult. Thank you, Representative. Uh, there is a requirement in there for elder adults, but, and I'll go back in a second, but the, there's going to be a requirement for anybody who's a new customer who's an elder adult that they will get a
personal call from the operator to make sure they're not a victim of fraud, because we are seeing a, a huge increase of fraud in this area, and
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
1:41:07
I can give you numbers if you're interested. Who defined elder adult someone 60 years of age
Speaker 243
1:41:12
or older. We use the same um standard that other states had previously used, so it's uniform for the operators. Any other questions from the members? OK.
Speaker 14
1:41:32
Seeing no questions, um. Is there anyone in the who'd like to speak against this bill. Anyone else
who would like to speak for this bill. President Ma, you recognize the close for your bill. I'm closed for the bill to make a motion to do pass. We have a motion do pass. All in favor say aye, aye. Any opposed say no. Congratulations to you passed your bill. Thank you. Resin Baker, do you have another one that is I, I know we never know, but fairly quick or
Unknown speaker
1:42:03
Yes, Mr. Chairman, I do. And which one is that? The Senate bill Yep. No Leave it all there. I'll try. be It's gonna be 40 to you. That's nice. possible.
Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker
Unverified
1:42:35
Representative Edgar District 71. He represents Senate Bill 401. I'd like to request Lisa Lake from AT&T to please
Representative Les Warren
Unverified
1:42:44
join me at the Altar. Please introduce yourself and who you're with, and then you
Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker
Unverified
1:42:53
can proceed with your presentation. Lisa Lake, AT&T. The committee today Senate Bill 401 adds an exemption to the underground facility's Damage Prevention Act, the, the exception being added would clarify that a utility provider
is able to hand dig with a shovel around their own terminal or or pedestal in a very limited scope of 12 inches of their own terminal and to a depth of no more than 12 inches. This practice allows installation of customer service to be handled more quickly and efficiently. Uh, it's an important note that the 811 organization has Has reviewed and approved the changes being made and additionally, the change was shared with several utility companies who have no objections. AT&T is here today to answer any questions concerning what problem this is
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
1:43:35
solving, and we welcome those at this time. questions from the committee. OK Representative A is out of question OK. Are, are there, are there actually, OK, are there any other questions from the committee? OK. Reps waiting. Yeah, I have,
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
1:44:01
I have a motion at the appropriate time.
Speaker 14
1:44:08
Thank you, sir. Any other questions? Is there anyone
Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker
Unverified
1:44:12
who would like to speak against this bill? Anyone like big for this bill. Represent Baker, you are raking us to close. I am closed
for this bill and I second the motion by Representative. We have Representative Wotton Wooton has made a motion do pass all in favor say aye I apologize. Thank you. Members, um, that's all we're gonna do for now, unfortunately, we are going to in vein after session, we are
going to hear HB 1531, which is also represented Baker's beards bill. It's gonna take a little time and then we'll hear any others that we can possibly get through.
Agenda
CONCUR IN SENATE AMENDMENT
HB1558 McGrew TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION; TO CREATE A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT BROKER AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATE LICENSE; AND TO AMEND THE REAL ESTATE LICENSE LAW.
REGULAR AGENDA
HB1055 J. Mayberry TO ESTABLISH COVERAGE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT TO SLOW THE PROGRESSION OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE OR OTHER DEMENTIA-RELATED DISEASE UNDER THE STATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOL LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM.
HB1290 L. Johnson TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS EXAMINATIONS; AND TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS SUPPORT OF MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS EXAMINATIONS ACT.
HB1295 L. Johnson TO CREATE THE HEALTHCARE COST-SHARING COLLECTIONS ACT.
HB1296 L. Johnson TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES PROVIDED IN MOBILE UNITS.
HB1320 Wooldridge TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CRISIS STABILIZATION UNITS AND HEALTHCARE INSURERS.
HB1321 Wooldridge TO REGULATE STEP THERAPY AND FAIL FIRST PROTOCOLS CONCERNING CERTAIN PRESCRIBED VENTILATORS.
HB1333 Hudson TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR BREASTFEEDING AND LACTATION CONSULTANT SERVICES.
SB237 J. Boyd TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE LICENSING AND REGULATION OF CAPTIVE INSURERS.
HB1443 Pilkington TO CREATE THE SECOND AMENDMENT FINANCIAL PRIVACY ACT; TO PROHIBIT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND PAYMENT NETWORKS FROM USING CERTAIN DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES; AND TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF VIOLATIONS.
HB1703 L. Johnson TO PROVIDE A DRUG REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS FOR CERTAIN HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS.
HB1297 L. Johnson CONCERNING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, ALGORITHMS, AND OTHER AUTOMATED TECHNOLOGIES; AND TO REGULATE CERTAIN PRACTICES OF HEALTHCARE INSURERS.
HB1314 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CERTAIN AUDITS OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS; AND TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAL AUDIT BILL OF RIGHTS ACT.
HB1735 Eaves TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS UNDERGROUND FACILITIES DAMAGE PREVENTION ACT; AND TO REVISE MEMBERSHIP IN THE ONE CALL CENTER UNDER THE ARKANSAS UNDERGROUND FACILITIES DAMAGE PREVENTION ACT.
HB1736 M. Brown TO AMEND ARTICLE 9 OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE.
HB1737 M. Brown TO AMEND THE TRANSMITTING UTILITY ACT; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "TRANSMITTING UTILITY" TO INCLUDE FIBER OPTIC AND BROADBAND LINES.
SB329 J. Boyd TO CREATE THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE GUARANTEES ACT.
HB1308 Steimel CONCERNING UNFAIR PRACTICES RELATED TO RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE REPAIR CONTRACTS; AND TO REGULATE SOLICITING RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTORS AND TREE CONTRACTORS.
HB1467 Achor TO AMEND THE UNIFORM MONEY SERVICES ACT.
HB1519 Cavenaugh TO ALLOW THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HIRING AND CONTRACTING OF EMPLOYEES FOR THE STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT, STATE BANK DEPARTMENT, AND STATE SECURITIES DEPARTMENT.
HB1746 M. Brown TO AMEND THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE.
HB1771 Perry TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DISCLOSURES TO POLICYHOLDERS; AND TO REQUIRE MONTHLY REPORTING BY INSURERS.
SB323 J. Bryant TO AMEND THE HORIZONTAL PROPERTY ACT.
SB366 J. Boyd TO CREATE THE STRENGTHEN ARKANSAS HOMES ACT; AND TO CREATE THE STRENGTHEN ARKANSAS HOMES PROGRAM FUND.
SB401 J. Boyd TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS UNDERGROUND FACILITIES DAMAGE PREVENTION ACT.
HB1788 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER ACT; AND TO REDUCE THE TIME ALLOWED FOR PROCESSING AN APPLICATION OF A PROVIDER.
HB1794 Duke TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR REAL ESTATE LICENSEES; AND TO CREATE CONTINUING EDUCATION EXEMPTIONS FOR CERTAIN REAL ESTATE BROKER LICENSEES.
SB319 J. Boyd TO AMEND THE UNIFORM LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACT; AND TO CLARIFY CHARGING ORDERS UNDER THE UNIFORM LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACT.
HB1531 Achor TO PROHIBIT PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS FROM RESTRICTING OR LIMITING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS TO A LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NETWORK OF OUT-OF-STATE PHARMACIES.
HB1811 Steimel TO AMEND PROPERTY AND CASUALTY LAW; AND TO REQUIRE REASONABLE PROOF OF PAYMENT OF A DEDUCTIBLE TO RECOUP RECOVERABLE DEPRECIATION UNDER PROPERTY AND CASUALTY LAW.
HB1813 Gramlich TO ADOPT THE FAIR AND EFFICIENT TRANSMISSION COMPACT.
HB1814 Gazaway TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY OVER UTILITIES; AND TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "PUBLIC UTILITY" UNDER TITLE 14, CHAPTER 200.
SB104 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER LICENSURE ACT; TO PROTECT PATIENTS' RIGHTS AND ACCESS TO MEDICATIONS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
SB405 J. Dismang TO AMEND THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE CONSUMER INFORM ACT.
SB432 J. Petty TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ACCOUNTANTS; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCY FOR THE PRACTICE OF ACCOUNTANCY. TO PROHIBIT A PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER FROM OBTAINING CERTAIN HB1150 J. Moore PHARMACY PERMITS.
Documents
| Title | Type | Pages | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agenda — INSURANCE & COMMERCE- HOUSE, Mar 19, 2025 | Agenda | 4 | Official source ↗ |
Speakers
Representative John Maddox Chair
Unverified
Representative Richard McGrew
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Representative Robin Lundstrum
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Speaker 14
Representative Ashley Hudson
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Speaker 21
Speaker 8
Speaker 25
Sarah Sobe
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Speaker 32
Danielle Wright
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Speaker 36
Speaker 6
Speaker 49
Representative Jeremy Wooldridge
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Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker
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Speaker 56
Speaker 57
Speaker 58
Speaker 59
Representative Jim Wooten
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Representative Jimmy Gazaway
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Speaker 66
Speaker 41
Representative Lee Johnson
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Chair
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Speaker 90
Speaker 97
Senator Justin Boyd
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Brad Neil
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Speaker 110
Speaker 108
Representative Carol Dalby
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Speaker 117
Representative Kenneth B. Ferguson
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Speaker 133
Speaker 140
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Speaker 168
Speaker 142
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Speaker 179
Speaker 89
Speaker 187
Speaker 189
Speaker 191
Speaker 192
Representative Frances Cavenaugh
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Hugh Mcdonald
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Speaker 201
Speaker 159
Representative Hope Duke
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Speaker 209
Representative Les D. Eaves
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Speaker 215
Representative Les Warren
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Speaker 65
Representative Fred Allen
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Speaker 243