AR HB1565

Continues the Arkansas Legislative Study on Mental and Behavioral Health previously created by Act 802 of 2021, as the initial study work was not complete.

Requires the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor and Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor to meet at least once every two months, with the first meeting to occur within 60 days of the act's effective date.

Directs the committees to assess mental and behavioral health resources in Arkansas and recommend legislation for the 2025 Regular Session, including study of access to care, existing facilities, Medicaid programs, crisis stabilization units, patient transportation, suicide rates in school-aged children, and K-12 mental health screenings.

Requires the committees to file a final written report with the Legislative Council on or before October 31, 2024, detailing their activities, findings, and recommendations.

Study shall be considered complete upon filing of the final report with the Legislative Council.