Legislature Passes Bill Requiring Disability Rights Arkansas to Report to Lawmakers; DRA Says FOIA Mandate Would Harm Clients

The Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee voted to pass House Bill 13‑82 as amended on a voice vote after extended public testimony for and against the measure.

Representative Lademan, the bill sponsor, told the committee the bill would require Disability Rights Arkansas (DRA), the federally designated protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities in Arkansas, to report to the legislative hospital/Medicaid/developmental disabilities subcommittee of the Legislative Council and to appear twice a year when requested. Supporters — largely parents and guardians of human development center (HDC) residents — said the change would create state‑level oversight and a venue for families to raise concerns.

Julia Frost, a guardian who testified in favor, recounted the experience of her adult daughter Stephanie and said DRA had reviewed her case without the…