[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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",[32,76,88],{"_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",6309084,"mediaKeyId","2414621-46cb4cdfc8117cf77bd9d2d2a94b763a","parentId",2414621,"title","Committee approves bills on retiree re‑enrollment, mortgage practices, lending standards, property management and consumer sales","audioSeconds",697,"startMs",4060000,"endMs",4757000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2414621-46cb4cdfc8117cf77bd9d2d2a94b763a&start=4060&end=4757","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2414621-46cb4cdfc8117cf77bd9d2d2a94b763a/thumbnail_4060000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6309084/Arkansas/Committee-approves-bills-on-retiree-reenrollment-mortgage-practices-lending-standards-property-management-and-consumer-sales","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6309084-867f6de3fec4ad56c1b83c072da42b1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140627&Signature=CDYbb4CvNlCUKeOaZHFbqhh0oHyY7RzzvG1Ho9QKyPDNrzokPp5OQxTPjkF4dZ27Jzf1WTawbRt0WYtdz6m3xHVLXIyZeFm-6ibEfUbJaHJOvWTfN9rjCfS2GGIJ1-RzKYnk-iKXzLGob42txBr4HovcRU1PeU4Y3yROkGogt4olFD7gixV3saRs0XpCXvV3sMWf~SODb7dh5vuKZYA12SK40TcbRbUlIMWiXryOYeVI5bvx5NGUk1VfRl6gdr74fMGh7L80N6vhlBssfpFeiep2Q1iatbxFlTRKVEEWSFkPei02FX1c~lUfmY3~BIOfe2t4z5gsJ7wOEcznBJ2ZlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Arkansas State Legislature","date","2025-02-26T00:00:00Z","article","At its session the Arkansas House Committee on Insurance & Commerce approved a package of bills affecting retirees, mortgage practices, lending and consumer sales. The measures received voice approval or unanimous “aye” outcomes during the meeting; most passed after brief presentations and limited questioning.

Votes at a glance (key bills, subject and committee outcome):

- Senate Bill 150 (employee benefits division): Allows the director of the Employee Benefits Division (EBD) flexibility to re‑enroll retirees who were inadvertently disenrolled from the state group Medicare plan after an unintended enrollment in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Testimony from Grant Wallace, EBD director, said health status is not a factor for reenrollment; the bill preserves state law that continues to bar retirees who knowingly leave the plan from immediate return. Representative Eaves moved to pass; the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

- Senate Bill 48 (sponsor Emerson Johnson): Clarifies transparency for owner‑occupied versus commercial plans and deductible responsibilities. Sponsor said the bill provides clearer disclosure; committee voted to pass by voice vote.

- House Bill 1184 (mortgage trigger leads): Amended to change a standard from “knowingly or negligently” to “knowingly” using mortgage‑triggered consumer information for unsolicited contact. Sponsor said the narrower standard addresses concerns raised on the House floor. Representative Johnson moved to pass; the bill passed by voice vote.

- House Bill 1466 (amendments to the Fair Mortgage Lending Act): Presented by Representative Acre with testimony from the Arkansas Securities Department; the bill updates prudential and data security standards for mortgage servicers, adds capital and liquidity expectations, and excludes small servicers that meet a diminished cutoff and nonprofit servicers or housing agencies. Representative Acre moved to pass; committee approved the bill.

- House Bill 1558 (property management licensure): Created a property‑management broker license allowing individuals to manage other people’s rental properties without being a sales broker or agent; requires two years’ experience on seven or more units, 60 hours of education and a licensing examination for the broker; associates would take 30 hours and serve two years under a licensed broker before eligibility. Representative McGrew moved to pass; the committee approved the bill by voice vote.

- Senate Bill 220 (Invest Arkansas exemption, Arkansas Securities Department): Raises the small‑offering exemption cap from $1,000,000 to $10,000,000 and increases the per non‑accredited investor cap from $5,000 to $100,000; issuers must be for‑profit entities registered with the Secretary of State and still file proof of exemption with the securities department. Sponsor and department witnesses said the change aims to increase opportunities for Arkansas startups to raise capital. Representative Acre moved to pass; committee approved the measure.

- Senate Bill 230 (Trust Institutions Act rewrite): Reorganizes and updates the Arkansas Trust Institutions Act of 1997, clarifies internal inconsistencies, codifies a representative‑trust office concept and modernizes the statute; sponsor said the changes are largely housekeeping and were developed with the trust institution currently operating in Arkansas. Committee voted to pass.

- Senate Bill 94 (ATV/UTV retailer service requirement): Allows retailers without on‑site service bays to sell all‑terrain and low‑speed vehicles provided they disclose a warranty/service provider within a 40‑mile radius and arrange warranty service; proponents said the change would allow broader consumer choice (for example, large retailers that do not build on‑site service centers). Opponents representing local dealerships warned of warranty, safety and quality concerns. Representative Aker moved to pass; the committee approved the bill by voice vote.

What the votes mean: The committee advanced a set of bills that alter consumer disclosures, regulatory thresholds and licensing rules affecting retirees, financial markets, mortgage practices, property management and retail sales of recreational vehicles. Most measures passed by voice vote rather than recorded roll call, and sponsors said several items were the product of stakeholder discussions.

Follow‑up items: Several bills will proceed to the House floor for further consideration. Sponsors and staff are expected to circulate technical changes or fiscal information as committees and floor calendars require.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Insurance and Commerce Committee - Feb 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The House Committee on Insurance & Commerce approved several bills affecting employee benefits, mortgage practices, lending standards, property‑management licensure and consumer retail sales.","taxTitle","INSURANCE & COMMERCE- HOUSE, House of Representatives, Committees, Legislative, Arkansas","taxId",21106,"location","Arkansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6309094,"Committee hears bill to bar third‑party watermarking of circuit‑clerk records; bill held for later vote",497,0,497000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2414621-46cb4cdfc8117cf77bd9d2d2a94b763a&start=0&end=497","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2414621-46cb4cdfc8117cf77bd9d2d2a94b763a/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6309094/Arkansas/Committee-hears-bill-to-bar-thirdparty-watermarking-of-circuitclerk-records-bill-held-for-later-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6309094-718d2e20df959270b3cdb763a88af8ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140627&Signature=HHJHOSk6mTTVNN3B6qhkaGK8eExts6yH69o2GfzwSyuGf--tnl5OAnrr-IRf1cWTHVK7uWkPO6IHIVPjeoMu4F4dTTS179t2YhZCwUYb1SyCra2~SuNV7t506pbT07jW~TUJt--aEQF3hWu2PV0Aa1Uilqr5y~OLKJs4hnFj93TrtFZJqLpZmGApqxU7YN4jA0WpMPbFBtC0r2X8PaVHqC4q5KGRcU2ZbRqAS4GUA5Iv4oXX7yv1RmKIBi1f4Jh~lxuIItzB4F9DRN6HeIyPRBfFwoFkyRcOFUzH-Jp3---Mfx6A9IG42lgsFAiAV8rjVh2Qpb~oGQXkMIPighhoPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Nathan Warren presented House Bill 13‑67 to the Arkansas House Committee on Insurance & Commerce, saying the measure would reinforce the circuit clerk’s custodial role over public records and update statute language for electronic records. The bill would prohibit out‑of‑state third‑party vendors from watermarking court or real‑property documents and charging for access to material that the transcript describes as public records.

The bill’s sponsors and supporters told the committee that some electronic‑record vendors had been adding watermarks to documents and offering access for a fee, and that a number of recently elected, less experienced circuit clerks had entered vendor arrangements that led to those outcomes. Kyle Sylvester, Washington County circuit clerk and second vice president of the Arkansas Circuit Clerk Association, and Wes Lassane, representing the Arkansas Land Title Association, testified the proposed language would bring the statute “into the electronic age” and discourage vendors from watermarking public records for profit.

Supporters said training has been offered to clerks and vendors to discourage watermarking, but that legislation is necessary as a backstop. During questioning Representative Lundstrom asked about a referenced fee; witnesses said title companies that rely on electronic downloads would be charged up to $150 per month for downloads under current vendor agreements. Representative Wooten asked whether these are public records; witnesses replied they are public records and that the bill’s purpose is to prevent vendors from monetizing access. Representative Lademan objected to taking the bill off a deferred calendar when potential opponents might not have notice; the sponsor said there was no known opposition but agreed to proceed with the bill’s presentation and that the committee would likely vote at a later date.

After discussion, the committee did not vote on HB 13‑67. The chair said the bill would be held to the next meeting so the sponsor could finish the presentation and any additional witnesses could appear.

Why it matters: The bill would clarify custody and access rules for circuit clerks’ records in electronic form and seeks to prevent private vendors from restricting or charging for access to public records.

Next steps: The committee held HB 13‑67 for further consideration at a subsequent meeting and did not adopt final action during this session.","Representative Nathan Warren presented House Bill 13‑67 to reinforce circuit clerks’ custodial role over public records and to bar third‑party vendors from watermarking and charging for electronic documents.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6309089,"Committee pauses bill to create Department of Financial Services after members press for more detail on costs, boards and structure",1302,2480000,3782000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2414621-46cb4cdfc8117cf77bd9d2d2a94b763a&start=2480&end=3782","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2414621-46cb4cdfc8117cf77bd9d2d2a94b763a/thumbnail_2480000.jpg","/articles/6309089/Arkansas/Committee-pauses-bill-to-create-Department-of-Financial-Services-after-members-press-for-more-detail-on-costs-boards-and-structure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6309089-a1be3c388f7e6b2b7df53695be9ea4a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140627&Signature=dBszN1tvNjCuxdVBeZMCCCZEM6TTsky-bLY4hAVLf1xa8osrxYduTg6Tca2muVvEJg41thLLcxn12I6WxrfHPXjJmSvT0ZV7WCmr~lSuWQTTVGz1405MF8GEwa~SY0QWIWCNva1Xm4KrHllmMYq~Oba82MTGvn3oV2lIkDgXBO0gS~xH~yy4lv~nL-gyrxq0DsgWi4wPcIAd0R4YenN~v6by3GZFdOMmot1sX218tr47~P-VOe1gtmzB1GVM-4~yX1M525L-ukCYUWSnkdP7C-9z4BgqHjKwY2EJs0itPPBpwth4XVfr1-2AHisqdNmDskZQVYsQI6dscmb6GWhOwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative A. Acre introduced Senate Bill 229 to create a Department of Financial Services within the Department of Commerce and to place the State Bank Department and the State Securities Department under that umbrella. Supporters said the change would formalize a structure that has already consolidated leadership: the bank commissioner currently serves as both bank and securities commissioner following 2023 legislation.

Committee members pressed on several points. Representative Dolby and others asked about the cost and outreach needed to change a name that, one member noted, has existed since 1913. Deputy Commissioner John Allen and Campbell McLaren of the Arkansas Securities Department said the measure is largely a formal reorganization and that no immediate additional staff positions were planned; Laurie Trogdon, president and CEO of the Arkansas Bankers Association, told the committee that the association had reviewed the bill and had no objection.

Members repeatedly asked whether the bank board and other stakeholders had been consulted; witnesses said the change grew from discussions between the secretary of commerce and the bank commissioner and that some boards had not yet reviewed the draft. Representatives also sought clarity on budgetary and administrative effects: witnesses said both agencies retain separate funds and that the change was intended to encourage future administrative efficiencies rather than to immediately alter budgeting or create new funded positions.

In response to the questions, Representative Acre moved to pull the bill to address the committee’s concerns and to meet individually with stakeholders. The chair granted the request and the measure will be refiled or reheard after additional work.

Why it matters: The proposal would rebrand and formally organize financial regulatory functions under a single Department of Financial Services; members expressed concern about potential confusion for the public, the need for board consultation and the lack of a clear cost estimate for transition activities.

Next steps: Sponsor withdrew the bill from consideration and indicated it will be revised and returned after additional stakeholder engagement.","Representative Acre presented Senate Bill 229 to create a Department of Financial Services as an umbrella over the State Bank Department and the State Securities Department. Committee members questioned costs, stakeholder consultation and whether the change merely renames existing structures; sponsor pulled the bill for further work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves bills on retiree re‑enrollment, mortgage practices, lending standards, property management and consumer sales

Committee hears bill to bar third‑party watermarking of circuit‑clerk records; bill held for later vote

Committee pauses bill to create Department of Financial Services after members press for more detail on costs, boards and structure