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Committee approves funding request for human development center upgrades after sponsor’s appeal

2850240 · April 2, 2025

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Summary

A sponsor urged the committee to fund $20 million for upgrades to a human development center (Jonesboro) citing poor living conditions; the committee passed House Bill 13 89 after discussion and directed follow-up as needed.

Representative Laderman urged the Joint Budget Committee to approve funding for human development center improvements, saying residents are living in conditions worse than prisons with up to four people in one room. The sponsor described an existing 10-year plan and noted prior investments (more than $20 million at Booneville; $8 million allocated to Jonesboro); she asked for an additional $20 million for Jonesboro.

The sponsor described the centers as long-term residential facilities for people with developmental needs and said many residents have little or no family support. Committee members had no recorded substantive objections in the transcript and the committee moved and approved House Bill 13 89 by voice vote.

The sponsor encouraged members to follow up with questions; the chair noted a handout of special language would be circulated and that members should reconcile holds with agencies before the next meeting. The committee recorded the motion as carried and advanced the item.