Bill presented amending FOIA during emergencies

By submitted, 01/23/21 8:11 AM

LITTLE ROCK – On Thursday, the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced HB1056. This bill amends the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act allowing public meetings to be held via phone or video conference during a declared emergency.

The House Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development Committee advanced HB1009 which authorizes the Veterinary Medical Examining Board to promulgate rules for use of telemedicine.

The House Insurance and Commerce Committee advanced HB1027 which allows self-storage companies to advertise sales in a commercially reasonable manner. Currently, such advertising of sales is limited to newspapers.

The full House passed several bills including HB1028. This bill changes the length of time a consumer has to tag their vehicle. Current law gives car buyers 30 days to pay the sales tax and register a vehicle after purchase. HB 1028 would extend it to 60 days.

The House also passed HB1107. This bill amends the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to allow the Arkansas Department of Health to request physical or electronic copies of prescriptions from prescribers or dispensers when checking for accuracy.

The House will reconvene Monday at 1pm.