HB1402
To Amend Initiated Act 1 Of 2000, Also Known As The Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act; And To Direct The Arkansas Minority Health Commission To Establish And Administer A Grant Program For School-based Health Centers.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes amendments to Arkansas's Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act. It directs the Arkansas Minority Health Commission to establish and administer a grant program specifically for school-based health centers. A portion of the funds allocated to the Minority Health Initiative will be specifically designated for this new grant program. The bill stipulates that this grant program will be funded with $500,000 annually. Importantly, the grant program is exclusively intended for school-based health centers located within minority-majority school districts. The commission is tasked with developing rules for this program, which should be similar to existing school-based health center grant programs administered by other state departments. The bill also includes provisions for the timeline and process of adopting these new rules.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill, if enacted, would be school-based health centers located in minority-majority school districts across Arkansas. These centers would receive dedicated funding to support their operations and services. Students attending schools within these districts would also benefit from improved access to health services, potentially leading to better health outcomes and academic performance. The Arkansas Minority Health Commission would also be a beneficiary in terms of its administrative role and the expansion of its grant-making capacity.
Who Might Suffer?
The bill's focus on a specific allocation of funds to minority-majority school districts could indirectly impact other school-based health centers or initiatives that might have previously sought funding from the broader Minority Health Initiative or the Targeted State Needs Program Account. While not explicitly stated, any program or district not meeting the criteria of a "minority-majority school district" would not be eligible for these specific grants. The wording suggests a reallocation or earmarking of funds, which could mean less funding is available for other potential uses of the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds.