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Committee advances energy study, one‑call updates, birthing‑center coverage and other measures
Summary
The Senate Insurance & Commerce Committee moved a package of measures forward on voice votes, including a study of small modular reactors, updates to underground‑utility one‑call membership, birthing‑center insurance coverage, a statewide gambling self‑exclusion list, ambulance reimbursement fixes and adding crisis stabilization units to provider lists.
Little Rock — After lengthy testimony on House Bill 1150 and follow‑up business, the Senate Insurance & Commerce Committee advanced several additional bills by voice votes.
Key outcomes at a glance:
- Small modular reactor study (House/Senate Bill 1572): Sen. Matt McKee said the bill creates a study to evaluate small modular nuclear reactor technology and possible early‑adoption pathways for Arkansas. The committee voted to pass the measure.
- Arkansas Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act amendments (House Bill 1735): Sen. Missy Irvin introduced amendments to require operators of underground facilities to join the One Call center and impose warnings and fines for noncompliance. The committee approved the bill.
- Birthing‑center insurance coverage (House Bill 1826): Rep. Mary Bentley said the bill would require insurers to cover deliveries at licensed birthing centers; sponsors noted Arkansas currently has no licensed birthing centers and that insurance coverage could encourage their return. The committee passed the measure.
- Gambling self‑exclusion (House Bill 1847, as amended): The bill establishes a statewide self‑exclusion list for persons seeking to exclude themselves from gambling operations; the committee adopted an amendment and approved the bill.
- Ambulance reimbursement clarifications (House Bill 1850) and rate‑collection requirement (House Bill 1863/18‑63): These bills adjust minimum reimbursement language and require the Arkansas Ambulance Association to gather and provide ordinance contract rates to the Insurance Department; sponsors said the changes correct prior code revisions and standardize rate information for insurers and providers. The committee approved both measures.
- Crisis stabilization units (House Bill 1320): The bill adds crisis stabilization units to any‑willing‑provider lists for certain insurance programs; the committee approved the measure and recorded no expected fiscal impact for EBD.
All of the above measures were approved in committee by voice votes and will proceed through the legislative process.
