AR HB1689

Creates the Arkansas Legislative Study on Mental and Behavioral Health to be conducted jointly by the Senate and House Committees on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.

Requires the first meeting to be called within 60 days of the effective date, with mandatory meetings at least once every two months thereafter.

Directs the study to assess mental and behavioral health resources, care availability, existing facilities, Medicaid programs, best practices, crisis stabilization units, suicide rates among school-aged children, and mental health screenings for K-12 students.

Requires a final written report of findings and recommendations to be filed with the Legislative Council by December 1, 2022, for consideration during the 2023 Regular Session.

Study is temporary language and terminates upon filing of the final report.