This bill amends the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act to establish a grant program for school-based health centers, specifically targeting minority-majority school districts. The Arkansas Minority Health Commission is directed to administer this program, which will receive an annual allocation of $500,000 from the existing Targeted State Needs Program Account. The bill outlines that the distribution of funds will align with the Arkansas School-Based Health Center Grant Program, ensuring that the rules and administration of the new grant program are consistent with existing frameworks.

Additionally, the bill introduces a definition for "minority-majority school district," clarifying that it refers to districts where racial or ethnic minorities constitute the majority of the population. The Arkansas Minority Health Commission is tasked with establishing rules for the grant program, with a deadline for filing these rules set for January 1, 2026, or as soon as practicable after necessary approvals are obtained. This legislative effort aims to enhance health services in schools that serve predominantly minority populations, thereby addressing health disparities in these communities.

Statutes affected:
HB 1402: 19-12-110(c), 19-12-114