Bill > HB1723

This bill amends the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act to create a new grant program for school-based health centers administered by the Arkansas Minority Health Commission. Specifically, the bill allocates $500,000 annually from the existing 23% Minority Health Initiative funding to establish a grant program that will provide funding exclusively to school-based health centers in minority-majority school districts (defined as districts where racial or ethnic minorities comprise the majority of the population). The grant program will mirror the existing Arkansas School-Based Health Center Grant Program in its distribution methodology, and the Minority Health Commission is required to establish rules similar to the existing program. The bill also sets a timeline for the commission to draft and file initial rules, with a deadline of January 1, 2026, ensuring that the proposed grant program will be implemented in a structured and timely manner. The goal appears to be improving healthcare access for students in predominantly minority school districts by supporting school-based health centers.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1723&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R