[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6066713,"mediaKeyId","3155797-760618ec8ea42d9e311b4dfdad2af11b","parentId",3155797,"title","Committee approves bill restricting certain foreign genomic procurement and addressing organ-transplant sourcing","audioSeconds",601,"startMs",6965000,"endMs",7566000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3155797-760618ec8ea42d9e311b4dfdad2af11b&start=6965&end=7566","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3155797-760618ec8ea42d9e311b4dfdad2af11b/thumbnail_6965000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6066713/Arkansas/Committee-approves-bill-restricting-certain-foreign-genomic-procurement-and-addressing-organ-transplant-sourcing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6066713-ce826d33c69ecb0eb24f723a9c2cca35/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169291&Signature=VgaNel-bUD4brpBxRaJ5gTLUhDaELAdk4wAlJ9uf57jYqpQcDgJsBkvcPxNPlI91zMvhdx5c13dBm1IXFQF6v9BTvAGKMRvVnZfzG0nBGVW7z~FehAYXhUOiuwUrY0ub5UNsrLPIh8BtI9EQxbsvniUA5d6d2YX4R3qC30StoBV8QnsF0siab4JFNM5DW6vQartDWdfnhO6vUnwHi9XeaMkhz-02Xw9IPo17wT9IF-wbSc8VUoO7KUARHSBl5FrrpnXDa~sSFyxRRE1wxMOEU15MDtp48NR6-fyNOVcW6-wIj2ytg7lMXsMnMc9S5tsIwzV3XO-taNdsbHnOrtZFpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Arkansas State Legislature","date","2025-04-10T00:00:00Z","article","The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on April 2 approved Senate Bill 311, a measure with two principal elements: limits on procurement from certain foreign genetic-sequencing companies and restrictions related to organ transplants tied to human-rights abuses.

Jackie Deal, an outside expert and adviser to a nonprofit working on foreign-influence risks, testified that certain foreign genomics firms have ties to the Chinese military and to state-supported programs that collect genetic material at scale. Deal described federal measures that have placed some firms on procurement or no‑buy lists and urged Arkansas to adopt state-level protections to avoid routing state-funded purchases to hostile actors.

Sponsors described the bill as a precautionary measure to protect Arkansans’ genetic material and to ensure state procurement does not subsidize firms associated with human-rights abuses. During committee discussion, Representative McGee recounted clinical contacts who observed suspiciously rapid availability of transplant organs in foreign clinics, raising concerns about sourcing.

After brief questioning the committee voted to pass the bill; sponsors said it will bring state procurement and health contracts into closer alignment with federal security guidance and will signal the state’s opposition to organ procurement practices that may involve human-rights abuses.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee Meeting - Apr 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 311 passed the committee after testimony arguing for state-level precautions against procurement from firms tied to foreign state influence and to bar participation in certain organ-transplant practices. Supporters framed it as aligning procurement policy with federal security steps; committee approved the bill on a do-pass vote.","taxTitle","PUBLIC HEALTH, WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE- HOUSE, House of Representatives, Committees, Legislative, Arkansas","taxId",21192,"location","Arkansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":46,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6066718,"Votes at a glance: committee action on several public-health and licensing bills",7561,5000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3155797-760618ec8ea42d9e311b4dfdad2af11b&start=5&end=7566","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3155797-760618ec8ea42d9e311b4dfdad2af11b/thumbnail_5000.jpg","/articles/6066718/Arkansas/Votes-at-a-glance-committee-action-on-several-public-health-and-licensing-bills","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6066718-2a7bc06b597e9102b69d4f0fd2cf31ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169291&Signature=Yb4OaB~UOTMbbeXJqj64RmnqH2tePOK~YjgLIKwe0hP6zsNBOYLExoCk5XahIcClsohV8NikLJuKd6n3YI1f61xmHIwwituL9vuvfZSZYCjIzW1XNzeDZs-s4VG4F78UwTYZ8nEgr3MHcZcmy6bEGmZ6mP8hw3vt1F5byfXekgPgUxyymyJJ5i6ivmSpRzw42FsGUjnh-uqvCOARmhGZEMrCNg3rrPmlijgg2gSmJ1mkZC0i6sKqKWO8FBbj3cKGUSW-oVooTra7rxoHPOyWMUtqep5NwWjhEqiqmYL-GbFxKl5n9WbUJd9xNue6rDxc0ko4gtTqk5OxCTtH08RlLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee handled multiple brief actions and roll-call items on April 2. Items with recorded committee outcomes include the following:

- House concurrence on several Senate amendments (voice votes): Representatives moved concurrence on Senate amendments to multiple House bills that were presented on the consent or regular agenda. Examples recorded in committee included motions to concur on multiple House bills (tabled items referenced by sponsors) and were adopted by voice vote; specific bill numbers were announced from the dais and recorded as concurred in committee.

- SB632 — Hair relaxer warning labels: The committee heard brief sponsor remarks from Senator Love and Representative Shepherd, who described the measure as an amendment to the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requiring warning labels for hair relaxers that contain certain chemicals. The sponsor said manufacturers would be responsible for labeling. The committee adopted the bill by voice vote; sponsors asked for a favorable vote.

- SB627 — Licensing and code cleanups for electricians, HVAC and boilers: The committee approved Senate Bill 627, a Department of Labor and Licensing cleanup measure affecting electrician apprentice rules, boiler testing and continuing-education requirements for municipal inspectors. Sponsors said the changes reduce duplication and lower costs for municipal inspectors; the committee voted the bill do-pass.

- SB598 — Workforce services and unemployment law cleanups: The committee approved a housekeeping bill aligning state definitions with IRS guidance and moving TANF provisions between agencies; sponsors described it as a technical modernization and the committee voted to pass.

- SB311 — Restrictions on procurement and organ transplant practices tied to foreign actors: The committee approved a bill that would restrict procurement from certain foreign genetic-sequencing companies and address organ-transplant sourcing concerns. Sponsors framed the bill as a national-security and human-rights safeguard; the committee voted the bill do-pass.

Several other items on the agenda were handled by voice vote or brief roll call motions during the session; items that required extended debate (notably SB117, SB507 and SB534) received separate coverage.","The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee moved quickly on several agenda items April 2, concurring with Senate amendments on multiple House bills and advancing or approving several technical and licensing measures. Several measures passed by voice vote; a few debated bills were separately reported above.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6066722,"Committee votes to keep kratom illegal in Arkansas",525,2658000,3183000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3155797-760618ec8ea42d9e311b4dfdad2af11b&start=2658&end=3183","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3155797-760618ec8ea42d9e311b4dfdad2af11b/thumbnail_2658000.jpg","/articles/6066722/Arkansas/Committee-votes-to-keep-kratom-illegal-in-Arkansas","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6066722-036ca3458ef9f4af569c320f942bd160/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169291&Signature=hqIQKFJKo20XhvYN3IFkUcueefwZfbwJrTsIXQHHp3hcQhQAVZjEkgu9vKll6HcCAxm-fa2ihF~14j3wftmY0l85E6O364oShbyeZwHyVeRqHRLV74IvBi2T-gbOQJHEBDq878Hy6tRimlJYZ2oJdh3HNxNEHNgJK7x1yguEWS0xA8neOvDH~DaA~jqRXKl730jtiM0wz2B8NE~2GhUsUNlKH9cqW~tzPvd3TMFEJm-BAOaH5KCVsdhrC7~1fW1elz0bKGSwaFOIj53vooNoNmrIcU3YuVVgRITE-xPCgUf5yXgYJ2wgB0Qb52iYoQy5n9Qy-F2XKqfsN09CUK6v2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on April 2 voted not to pass Senate Bill 534, a measure that would have legalized kratom sales and established a regulatory framework for processors and retailers.

Supporters told the committee legalization would bring clarity and reduce criminal penalties for Arkansans who obtain kratom elsewhere. Representative Greg Lading, sponsor for a related bill, said many users report self-treatment benefits and that surrounding states have moved to regulate rather than criminalize the substance.

Opposing witnesses included county coroners and the Department of Health. Kevin Cleghorn, a county coroner, said investigators increasingly recover kratom from overdose scenes and warned of mixed toxicity risks. “In small doses, it mimics methamphetamine. In large doses, it mimics an opioid,” Cleghorn said, and he noted that kratom will not respond to naloxone (Narcan) the way classical opioids do.

The Department of Health and a pharmacist from the department highlighted technical, enforcement and safety concerns. Health counsel Laura Hsu noted multiple unresolved drafting issues: overlapping definitions of processors and retailers, questions about enforcement against out-of-state or foreign processors, and a low $500 fine that may not deter noncompliant suppliers. Pharmacist Shane David described product-safety concerns including adulteration, elevated concentrations of 7‑hydroxymitragynine (a potent mitragynine metabolite), contamination risks (salmonella, heavy metals) and unpredictable drug interactions.

During debate Representative Gramlich moved a motion of “do not pass.” The motion carried on a voice vote and the chair announced that the bill “failed.” Sponsors and proponents said they might return with revised language but the committee did not advance the measure.","The committee voted a motion of 'do not pass' on a bill to legalize kratom after testimony from coroners and public-health officials about overdose and contamination concerns; supporters argued existing bans and arrests have harmed users and that regulated sales would be safer.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6066727,"Committee declines to extend Medicaid ABA coverage to adults with autism",3291,3317000,6608000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3155797-760618ec8ea42d9e311b4dfdad2af11b&start=3317&end=6608","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3155797-760618ec8ea42d9e311b4dfdad2af11b/thumbnail_3317000.jpg","/articles/6066727/Arkansas/Committee-declines-to-extend-Medicaid-ABA-coverage-to-adults-with-autism","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6066727-d404ba0a0254fc8249dc5625e293fd0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169291&Signature=jzzH6U40lahoFPrfM5xsLK6Jf~LlM57DR7IERMSRfiKi5q5kW-PptlVTj1ytTzu4ytQTYka21MCxFBWgAVPQA8g9hwKUwW9RswaWdxNi0xBh9MpDIgFTyQjJSMKhzsZfIXzRtaKJbySqOqYY-I7bsWWYGbTYcVcoXBqJ8qY75pzViMXrI9kSTDXJo1zzmDDn13j2b8xPY~rl8XhPuF8mzCc2D~vMlDg1iRny5DKbaZYtoKr9Ixy4hv5hAl76C1nMWoE9gGvWqIhY6HGnPT1EFpkyfF~hRE~mN7SRzd6g48vmBOmHI~sRNBXoWvEkuzZWkfiwMid5aDT0ryZC8Gkl7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee heard testimony April 2 on Senate Bill 507, a measure to remove an age cap and allow Medicaid coverage of applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for adults with autism. Committee members heard personal testimony about benefits but were persuaded by state fiscal analysis and regulatory concerns and ultimately voted not to advance the bill.

Ron Cook, whose adult son receives ABA therapy, said the services enabled his son to work part time, take college classes and gain independence. “He has been able to develop and grow and mature as a result of ABA therapy,” Cook said, describing the therapy’s role in daily living skills and job supports.

Medicaid officials told the committee that their initial fiscal estimate materially understated the scope of coverage the bill would trigger. Melissa Weatherton, director of Medicaid Specialty Populations, explained that the program’s waiver structure (a Section 1915(c) waiver) means a service added to the waiver would be available to multiple diagnostic groups on that waiver, not only adults with autism. Weatherton said the first estimate—derived from the number of adults on a community employment support waiver—could lead to an extrapolated total cost up to $75 million and that the state did not have the funds in its current budget to absorb such an expansion.

Sponsors said the bill was narrow and targeted to adults already receiving waiver services and that the true state share might be lower; they characterized the change as an investment that could yield downstream savings by reducing emergency visits and other acute expenditures. Representative Keith Brooks, a bill sponsor, described the measure as an attempt to continue services that are already effective for some adults and to preserve gains families have achieved through ABA.

Committee members expressed sympathy for families and acknowledged potential benefits, but many also flagged the fiscal and programmatic uncertainty. After brief discussion the chair put the bill to a vote; the committee voted against advancing SB507.","Senate Bill 507, which would have removed a Medicaid age limit and allowed applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy coverage for some adults with autism, failed in committee after state Medicaid officials said the existing waiver language would broaden eligibility and could raise costs substantially.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6066733,"Committee rejects bill to license naturopathic doctors in Arkansas",3744,665000,4409000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3155797-760618ec8ea42d9e311b4dfdad2af11b&start=665&end=4409","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3155797-760618ec8ea42d9e311b4dfdad2af11b/thumbnail_665000.jpg","/articles/6066733/Arkansas/Committee-rejects-bill-to-license-naturopathic-doctors-in-Arkansas","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6066733-7b94a77cf3ad496493736a402dbddf87/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169291&Signature=IC7ms7t8vc2dJNla0SWVwBGFWG48Xx84bABvVqYN~70XS-BfZ6P6-fDkBFjsjk-YLvl15xJb4JYcizi3-gLh8T-rqkMuyUHztD1eY8bBYxpl1W6BR-sqD7WIn0Qf0OU72r8nU3q16VbYNQuUoE8Sh-eKTiasxScju8lBgNTruMrYwyWW~6-Dqr2OHL9Il2fl-rBP13pldUJxe~oIcwYSgbbX0D4aRIkvnpF0SshV2pBDxMvt9iWq4KT1p8hzst-awTbIzLVQ4BWFRO95US7i0CKb2bPOpXFe58cczlnfjyq5AWCrhh9i8bucPbIHX50gOBAB2XVzxuPlLyxS2m1s6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on April 2 rejected Senate Bill 117, a measure to license naturopathic doctors and expand their permitted practice in Arkansas.

Supporters said licensure would expand access to preventive and integrative care in a state with chronic health burdens. Senator Clint Penzo (sponsor) and Representative Wayne Long, R-39, told the committee licensing would let qualified practitioners work openly and permit insurance reimbursement. Mamie Burris, a naturopathic doctor who testified for the bill, said, “Licensing qualified naturopathic doctors in Arkansas will increase access to this safe, effective form of care and provide Arkansans with another option.”

Opponents and some health professionals argued the proposal left open questions about oversight, scope and cost. Claire Lehi, a psychiatrist who testified against the bill, told the committee she supports licensure of qualified practitioners in principle but said the current proposal could cause patient confusion: “You don't want to go to a medical doctor who has not been through all the credentials they need to go through to become a medical doctor. You want to be sure…you're going to someone who is actually credentialed in their field.” Department of Health representatives told the committee they were neutral on the concept but raised technical and regulatory concerns earlier in the process.

The bill would have renamed the existing Acupuncture Board to a Natural Medicine Board and added naturopathic physicians as board members. Sponsors emphasized the measure did not include prescriptive authority or minor surgery in Arkansas. Representative Ferguson confirmed during questioning that SB117 “does not allow prescriptive authority.” Supporters said licensure could enable insurance reimbursement and attract practitioners now practicing out of state; opponents warned it could create licensing and enforcement challenges and risk delays in diagnosing serious illness.

Committee members debated training, practice scope and fiscal impact. Testimony cited that 23 states plus three U.S. territories currently license naturopathic physicians; witnesses testified there are about eight naturopathic doctors currently practicing in Arkansas under other credentials. Supporters argued long-term cost savings from improved chronic disease management; skeptics said evidence of cost reductions was limited and raised risks of delayed diagnosis if patients substitute naturopathic care for conventional care.

After extended questioning and public testimony both for and against the bill, the committee called the roll. The measure failed when the chair announced, “With 9 votes, it fell short of the 11 needed to pass.”

The vote leaves the licensure question unresolved; sponsors said they will continue pursuing options, including possible interim study or future bill variations that address enforcement, board composition and fiscal concerns.","The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee voted down SB117, which would have licensed naturopathic doctors and placed them under a renamed “natural medicine” board. Supporters said licensure would increase access; opponents and health officials warned of cost, scope and patient-safety questions. The measure failed 9–11.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves bill restricting certain foreign genomic procurement and addressing organ-transplant sourcing

Votes at a glance: committee action on several public-health and licensing bills

Committee votes to keep kratom illegal in Arkansas

Committee declines to extend Medicaid ABA coverage to adults with autism

Committee rejects bill to license naturopathic doctors in Arkansas