Bill > HB1537

This bill repeals the Location Act for Community Homes for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, which was a state law governing residential homes for people with developmental disabilities. Specifically, the bill eliminates an entire subchapter of Arkansas Code that previously established detailed regulations for Family Home I (up to 8 residents) and Family Home II (8-16 residents) facilities. The repealed law had previously mandated zoning rules that treated these community homes as permitted uses in residential areas, established licensing requirements for such homes, and set density control limits for their placement in different sized cities. The bill also makes a consequential amendment to another section of code by removing references to the repealed Location Act. By eliminating these specific regulations, the bill appears to streamline state oversight of community homes for individuals with developmental disabilities, potentially giving local jurisdictions more discretion in how such homes are regulated and located. The bill maintains existing protections for individuals with developmental disabilities by preserving other relevant laws and regulations related to their care and rights.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1537&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R