AR HB1216

Requires the Bureau of Legislative Research to avoid using eight specific terms related to disabilities ("disabled," "developmentally disabled," "mentally disabled," "mentally ill," "mentally retarded," "handicapped," "cripple," "crippled") in all bills and resolutions, replacing them with person-first terminology ("individuals with disabilities," "individuals with developmental disabilities," "individuals with mental illness," "individuals with intellectual disabilities").

Mandates that state agencies use the preferred person-first terminology in all administrative rules and directs the Bureau of Legislative Research to replace inappropriate terms in the Code of Arkansas Rules when sections are created, amended, or when inappropriate terms are identified.

Amends the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act to clarify exceptions to the definition of "rule," including adding medical coding systems issued by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and allowing formatting additions to rules for creating handbooks or manuals without triggering formal rule promulgation requirements.

Authorizes the Bureau of Legislative Research to make technical corrections to rules in the Code of Arkansas Rules (such as updating addresses, phone numbers, and website information) at agency request or on its own initiative, provided the bureau consults with the relevant agency and does not change the substance or meaning of the rule.

Extends the deadline for completing the codification of the Code of Arkansas Rules from January 1, 2023 to January 1, 2024, with authority for the Legislative Council to further extend the date.