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Senate passes Behavior Analyst registration bill to create state registration and complaint avenue
Summary
The Senate passed House Bill 12 45 to create an Arkansas Behavior Analyst Registration Act and a state registration process so residents can file complaints locally rather than through national certifying bodies; the bill passed on a roll call after floor debate.
The Arkansas Senate passed House Bill 12 45 on March 17 to create the Arkansas Behavior Analyst Registration Act, establishing a state registration system for behavior analysts and a state avenue for complaints. Sponsor and floor manager described the measure as creating a domestic process so parents and clients can file complaints in Arkansas rather than relying solely on an out-of-state certifying organization.
Sen. Sandra Overend, who brought the bill to the floor as the Senate floor sponsor of the House measure, said the legislation clarifies fees and ensures no training is mandated by an external national body. Representative Clowney, a House sponsor noted by the floor manager, had worked with parents to bring complaints about out-of-state certification processes that left Arkansas families without a local path for redress.
Sen. Mark Johnson opposed the bill on policy grounds, arguing the Legislature should avoid creating new occupational regulation regimes unless necessary. Sen. Jim Sullivan and other supporters said state oversight returns sovereignty to Arkansas rather than deferring to national organizations that may change positions.
The Senate recorded a roll-call vote: 24 yeas, 2 nays, 2 not voting, and 6 present. The bill passed as amended and will be returned to the House.
Senate action: House Bill 12 45 (Behavior Analyst Registration Act) passed; the debate concerned scope of state regulation versus choice to create a state registration and complaint process.
