Overview

During the Legislative Council Meeting, Dr. Carlos Silva presented the October 2024 revenue report, highlighting a year-to-date decline in gross general revenues by 3.2% and net available revenues by 2.8%, while consumer confidence and employment rates showed slight improvements. 

The Executive Subcommittee report included a proposal to amend rules related to the Policymaking Subcommittee, sparking a discussion on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, leading to a failed substitute motion proposed by Senator King. Following the vote to adopt the executive report, various subcommittee reports, including Administrative Rules and EBD Oversight, were approved. 

The meeting concluded with updates from the Department of Human Services regarding new reimbursement rates for assisted living and actions on Medicaid-funded care, as well as a favorable advisory request from the Division of State Parks. Action items were set for future meetings, including the voting on proposed rule changes.

Notes

Opening and Administrative Matters (02:56 – 10:50)

• Meeting called to order by Senator Gilmore
• Prayer led by Representative John Carr
• Approval of October 18th minutes
• Presentation of October 2024 revenue report by Dr. Carlos Silva
• Gross general revenues YTD: $2,631 million, 3.2% decline
• Net general revenue available for distribution: $2,224 million, 2.8% decline
• Consumer confidence and sentiment increased
• This increase can lead to higher consumer spending, which is vital for economic growth.
• Factors contributing to this rise may include improvements in employment rates and overall economic conditions.
• US unemployment rate: 4.1%, Arkansas: 3.3%
• CPI slightly increased from 2.4 to 2.6

Executive Subcommittee Report and Discussions (10:53 – 17:19)

• Representative Eubanks presented executive subcommittee report
• Perr & Knight contract amendment for property insurance captive feasibility study
• Proposed amendment to ALC rules: abolish policymaking subcommittee, transfer duties to executive subcommittee
• Senator King raised concerns about DEI practices and out-of-state consulting contracts
• Senator Chesterfield defended diversity, equity, and inclusion practices
• Clarification on rule change applying only to specific contracts

Voting and Further Discussions (17:19 – 21:08)

• Clarification on voting process for rule change
• Senator King’s substitute motion not to accept the executive committee report
• Discussion on DEI practices and consultant contracts
• Vote on substitute motion failed
• Original motion to adopt executive report passed

Subcommittee Reports and Approvals (21:08 – 27:35)

• Administrative Rules Subcommittee report presented and approved
• EBD Oversight Subcommittee report presented and approved
• Peer Subcommittee report presented and approved
• Review Subcommittee report presented and approved
• Personnel Subcommittee report presented and approved

DHS and Insurance Department Reports (27:39 – 33:32)

• AID report on PBM activities and Rule 128 public hearing
• DHS report on Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver reimbursement rates
• New rate of $86.73 approved by CMS, effective July 1, 2024
• Annual cost reporting for Medicaid-funded assisted living providers
• Report on facility change of ownerships or closures
• Division of State Parks request for favorable advice approved

Action items

Unassigned

Vote on proposed ALC rule change in December meeting (10:00)

Department of Human Services

Conduct annual cost reporting for Medicaid-funded assisted living providers in January 2025 (29:11)

Continue providing immediate email and text notifications for facility closures or changes of ownership (31:20)