The bill proposes a series of technical corrections and amendments to the Arkansas Code, particularly focusing on public utilities and the Arkansas Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool. Key changes include grammatical corrections, such as changing "Specify" to "Shall specify" in contracts for interruptible utility services, and clarifications in refund procedures under the Uniform Money Services Act. The bill also repeals outdated language and sections that are no longer applicable, including the complete repeal of Title 23, Chapter 79, Subchapter 5, which expired in 2016. These amendments aim to streamline legal language and enhance the regulatory framework for public utilities and related industries in Arkansas.

In addition to the technical corrections, the bill significantly revises the operational framework of the Arkansas Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool. It removes various definitions and provisions related to medical necessity, eligibility criteria, and assessment processes for insurers, which may lead to ambiguity in coverage understanding. The bill clarifies eligibility requirements for individuals seeking coverage, emphasizing the need for evidence of rejection by insurers due to medical conditions. It also outlines the board's authority to establish alternative portability plans and manage premiums, while ensuring that federally eligible individuals meet all other requirements. Overall, the bill seeks to simplify the health insurance coverage process while protecting the interests of the pool and maintaining confidentiality for covered individuals.

Statutes affected:
HB 1361: 23-3-117(a), 23-55-611(b), 23-55-702(a), 23-55-702(b), 23-55-701(a), 23-61-503(b), 23-63-1801(4)