New State Laws Improve Health and Safety

By: State: Arkansas | Source: AARP.org

Arkansans have greater access to health care, thanks in part to a landmark piece of legislation that will tax tobacco products to create a new trauma system for the state.

AARP volunteers made personal visits with state legislators, placed hundreds of phone calls and wrote e-mails to ensure that increased funding for home and community-based care, AARP Arkansas' top priority, was a part of the legislation. Other items in the health care package include an adult dental program, expanded health insurance coverage for children and funding for community health centers.

Supported by the Governor's Office, the Step-Up Coalition and other groups, the legislation was passed with a super majority in the Legislature over the objection of well-financed opposition. Gov. Mike Beebe called the legislation "the most comprehensive, far-reaching health care package the state has ever seen."

In addition to the health care package, Arkansas moved from having one of the weakest laws to stop identity theft to one of the best with the adoption of Act 223. This new security freeze law protects Arkansans from identity theft and financial fraud by allowing residents to block unauthorized access to (freeze) their credit report.

One of the most important changes AARP Arkansas helped bring about during the Session didn't require legislation. Thanks to a new agreement facilitated by the Governor's Office and a coalition of groups including the Alzheimers's Association, the Arkansas State Police, Bring Them Home and AARP Arkansas, one call to a local law enforcement agency now activates the State Police's Silver Alert system.

The Silver Alert is an emergency system which law enforcement can use to disseminate statewide alerts for missing adults with Alzheimer's or other cognitive disorders.

"Time is of the essence when these vulnerable citizens wander off or become lost," said Maria Reynolds-Diaz. "The Silver Alert Program was developed to provide vital information to authorities to assist in the search and safe recovery of these individuals, and quickly reunite them with their loved ones and/or caregivers."

To initiate a Silver Alert, contact your local law enforcement agency about filing a Silver Alert Official Reporting Form with the Arkansas State Police Troop A Communications Center.

Two other issues made headway during the Legislative Session. The Department of Workforce Services is expanding services to relatives raising grandchildren. The issue of a subsidy for grandparents raising grandchildren will be studied by the Committee on Children and Youth. A new Housing Trust Fund was created that lays the foundation to increase affordable, safe housing.

Other Resources

Arkansas State Legislature