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Review Subcommittee questions DHS and education contracts; in-state contracts held pending follow-up
Summary
Members questioned agency representatives about several contracts and held In-State Contract #4 (ADE) and DHS Contracts #6 and #7 pending follow-up information; Out-of-State Contract #22 was adopted separately and a proposed hold on Item #19 (DPS — Central Flying Service Inc.) was withdrawn after information was provided.
The Arkansas Legislative Council took up the Review Subcommittee report and discussed multiple contract and procurement items on March 20, 2026. Senator Blake Johnson, as reporting co-chair, moved to adopt the Review Subcommittee report with separate consideration of Out-of-State Contract #22; both motions were approved by voice vote.
Council members requested additional information on several items. In-state Contract #4 for the Arkansas Department of Education and Department of Human Services In-State Contracts #6 and #7 were held for the full Council pending follow-up; staff distributed requested information from ADE and DHS to members. DHS officials who came forward to respond included Jennifer Brezée, Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services; Paula Stone, Director of the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health; Melissa Weatherton, Director of Specialty Medicaid Services; and Jay Hill, Director of the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services.
Senator Terry Rice asked that the Department of Public Safety — Arkansas State Police be invited to respond to Exhibit F.12, Item #19 concerning Central Flying Service Inc.; agency representatives were not present when first requested. Senator Rice later indicated the requested information had been received and withdrew a motion to hold Item #19. The Review Subcommittee’s actions included holding specified contracts for follow-up and approving Out-of-State Contract #22 in a separate vote.
The Council recorded the follow-up directions and left the held contracts pending additional information to be provided to members before final action.
