AR HB1656

Amends Arkansas Code provisions governing the Arkansas Emergency Contact Information System to clarify terminology and system administration by the Department of Arkansas State Police and Department of Finance and Administration.

Modifies the definition of "emergency" to expand eligibility beyond injury victims to include persons unable to independently communicate due to symptoms such as memory loss, disorientation, confusion, or speech loss.

Changes language from "victim" to "person" and from "the Arkansas Emergency Contact Information System" to "an emergency contact information system" throughout the statute to allow multiple entities to establish separate systems.

Repeals Arkansas Code § 27-16-1307 (Implementation date section) that previously required funding before implementation could begin.

Becomes effective on January 29, 2018, and maintains that system participation is voluntary with participants responsible for accuracy and completeness of their emergency contact information.