Committee roundup: Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee advances multiple health and workforce bills

The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee considered and reported multiple bills during the session recorded in the transcript. Committee action was by voice votes unless otherwise noted in the transcript. Below are the items the committee advanced, with key presenters and the committee outcome recorded in the hearing transcript.

Votes at a glance

- House Bill 1079 — Sponsor: Representative Mark Allen. Issue: Removes a prohibition affecting cost‑sharing for clinically appropriate genetic testing in the state employee plan (Employee Benefits Division). Committee action: Amendment adopted; bill passed as amended (voice votes). Presenter testimony included EBD director Grant Wallace, physician Sam McCool and patient witnesses.

- House Bill 17‑12 — Sponsor: Representative Joey Carr. Issue: Authorizes participation in a social work licensure compact to increase license portability and cross‑state practice for social workers; retains ALC (Administrative Law Committee) oversight of rules. Committee action: Motion to pass carried (voice vote). Testimony included Dr. Christian Long, a licensed clinical social worker and National Association of Social Workers Arkansas chapter representative.

- House Bill 16‑22 — Sponsor: Representative Zach…