State Representative Nelda Speaks recently sent in an update from the weekly column of the Arkansas House of Representatives. She says currently there are 3,000 Arkansans with intellectual or developmental disabilities waiting for community-based or in home services. The needs range from adaptive equipment at home to day treatment programs. Last week the House took the first step in an effort to eliminate the waiting list.
In a vote of 93-0, House Bill 1033 was approved. The legislation calls for the diversion of $8.5 million, from the $45 million settlement for smokers of Marlboro Lights, to fund the needs of the waiting list. The money is currently not being used on any other program. The state funds would then be matched by $20 million in federal funds. It is expected the funds will assist 500-900 of those on the list. The bill is now heading to the Senate.
Meanwhile, heading to the Governors desk is a bill that allows the Medical Marijuana Commission more time to implement rules for growers and dispensaries.
The Medical Marijuana Amendment passed by voters in November, gave the commission 120 days to be appointed and create all rules and regulations regarding growing and dispensing.
The sponsor of the bill, Senator Greg Standridge, Republican from District 16 in Russellville, said while rules can be passed quickly, 120 days did not allow enough time for public input and participation in the process.
House Bill 1026 gives the commission 180 days. And it requires the commission to begin accepting applications by July 1, which aligns with the start of the fiscal year. The date in the amendment approved by voters in November was June first. Representative Speaks says she voted in favor of the Bill.
House proceedings and committee meetings held inside the Capitol can be viewed at http://www.arkansashouse.org/.
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