Arkansas committee debates state licensure for behavior analysts; bill fails for lack of a second

Representative Nicole Clowney introduced House Bill 11 89 to establish state licensure for applied behavior analysts, require criminal background checks for licensees and place oversight under the Arkansas Psychology Board. Supporters said state licensure would provide local oversight and consumer protections; opponents warned the change could create ambiguity about oversight, duplicate licensing costs and delay services.

Clowney told the committee the measure was the product of a behavioral health working group and would keep Arkansas aligned with neighboring states: "This bill creates a new license under an existing board," she said, adding the rules would mirror the national certifying standards while giving Arkansans the ability to handle ethics complaints locally. Elizabeth Laura, introduced to the committee as an expert witness, said local oversight is…