AR HB1543

Repeals the definition of "division" and replaces references to "division" throughout the Child Welfare Agency Licensing Act with "Department of Human Services" to clarify organizational authority and responsibilities.

Amends definitions of "foster home," "provisional foster home," and "residential child care facility" to include juveniles in need of services and dependent or dependent-neglected juveniles under § 9-27-303, broadening the scope of who qualifies for these placement types.

Adds criminal background check requirements for foster parents, house parents, adoptive parents, and household members 18 years or older, with an exemption for adoptive parents who have continuously resided in Arkansas for at least 6 years if a state criminal records check is available.

Expands research access to confidential child welfare agency information for bona fide research or evaluation projects determined by the Division of Children and Family Services to have programmatic value, with restrictions on redisclosure.

Declares an emergency effective upon gubernatorial approval, finding that the current licensing act requires urgent updating due to unworkable and unclear provisions that hinder the Department of Human Services' ability to fulfill its child welfare licensing duties.