reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 2 - REHABILITATION ACT OF ARKANSAS (§§ 20-79-201 — 20-79-216) › Section 20-79-202 - Policy

(a)
(1)
It is declared to be the policy of the State of Arkansas to provide needed and feasible rehabilitation services to eligible individuals with a disability throughout the state to the end that they may engage in useful and remunerative occupations to the extent of their capabilities.
(2)
In rehabilitating individuals who may be expected to achieve the ability of independent living as to dispense with, or largely dispense with, the need for institutional care or, if not institutionalized, to dispense with, or largely dispense with, the need for an attendant, it is also declared to be the policy of the State of Arkansas to provide needed and feasible rehabilitation services to eligible individuals with a disability throughout the state, thereby increasing the social and economic well-being of themselves and their families and the productive capacity of the state and reducing the burden of dependency on families and taxpayers.
(b)
Pursuant to this policy, rehabilitation services shall be provided to citizens throughout the state. The rehabilitation plan adopted pursuant to this subchapter shall be in effect in all political subdivisions of this state.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 389,§ 81, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1955, No. 43, § 2; 1959, No. 34, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2541.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 2 - REHABILITATION ACT OF ARKANSAS (§§ 20-79-201 — 20-79-216) › Section 20-79-204 - Commissioner

(a)
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services shall be administered, under the general supervision and direction of the Division of Workforce Services, by a commissioner, appointed in accordance with established personnel standards and on the basis of education, training, experience, and demonstrated ability in the field of rehabilitation.
(b)
In carrying out his or her duties under this subchapter, the Commissioner of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services:
(1)
Shall, with the approval of the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, prepare rules for promulgation by the appropriate division of the Department of Commerce governing personnel standards, the protection of records and confidential information, the manner and form of filing applications, eligibility, and investigation and determination thereof, for rehabilitation services, procedures for fair hearings, and such other rules as he or she finds necessary to carry out the purposes of this subchapter, including the order to be followed in selecting those to whom rehabilitation services are to be provided in situations where service cannot be provided to all who are eligible for service;
(2)
Shall, with the approval of the secretary, establish appropriate subordinate administrative units within Arkansas Rehabilitation Services;
(3)
Shall recommend to the secretary for appointment such personnel as he or she deems necessary for the efficient performance of the functions of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services;
(4)
Shall prepare and submit to the secretary and the Governor annual reports of activities and expenditures and, before each regular session of the General Assembly, estimates of sums required to carry out this subchapter, as well as estimates of the amounts to be made available for this purpose from all sources;
(5)
Shall make certification for disbursement, in accordance with rules, of funds available for carrying out the purposes of this subchapter; and
(6)
May, with the approval of the secretary, delegate to any officer or employee of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services such of his or her powers and duties, except the making of rules and the making of recommendations for appointment of personnel, as he or she finds necessary to carry out the purposes of this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 182,§ 11, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 2300, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 2299, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 560, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1955, No. 43, § 5; 1959, No. 34, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2544.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 2 - REHABILITATION ACT OF ARKANSAS (§§ 20-79-201 — 20-79-216) › Section 20-79-205 - Administration

The Director of the Division of Workforce Services shall provide the rehabilitation services authorized by this subchapter to persons with physical or intellectual disabilities, including blind citizens and those who can benefit from independent living services, as determined by the Commissioner of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services to be eligible therefor. In carrying out the purposes of this subchapter, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services is authorized, among other things:
(1)
To be the sole state agency to supervise and administer the rehabilitation services authorized by this subchapter except such part as may be administered by a local agency in a political subdivision of the state, in which case Arkansas Rehabilitation Services shall be the sole agency to supervise the local agency in the administration of that part;
(2)
To enter into reciprocal agreements with other states to provide for the services authorized by this subchapter to residents of the state concerned;
(3)
To conduct research and compile statistics relating to the provision of services or the need of services of individuals with a disability;
(4)
To license a person with a visual impairment to operate vending stands under its supervision and control and subject to the terms and conditions in rules issued pursuant to §
20-79-204(b)(1)
on:
(A)
State property;
(B)
County or municipal property;
(C)
Federal property, pursuant to delegation of authority under the Randolph-Sheppard Act and any amendment thereto or any act of the United States Congress relating to this subject;
(D)
Private property; and
(E)
Subject to Acts 1945, No. 142, § 2 [superseded]; and
(5)
To provide for the establishment, supervision, and control of suitable business enterprises to be operated by individuals with a severe disability, including persons with a visual impairment, where the operation will be improved through the management and supervision of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 478,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 2301, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 389,§ 85, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1955, No. 43, § 6; 1959, No. 34, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2545.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 2 - REHABILITATION ACT OF ARKANSAS (§§ 20-79-201 — 20-79-216) › Section 20-79-206 - Operation of rehabilitation facilities

(a)
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services is authorized to utilize funds made available:
(1)
From appropriations by the United States Congress;
(2)
By appropriations by the General Assembly;
(3)
From the disbursement of funds of other state agencies; and
(4)
By gifts, grants, fees for services, sale of products or items of manufacture or handwork, and donations for the purpose of establishing and operating rehabilitation centers, workshops, business enterprises, programs, and home industries and other facilities.
(b)
Gifts, grants, fees for services, income from the sale of products or items of manufacture or handwork, and donations may be deposited into one (1) or more banks and expended by the Division of Workforce Services, in compliance with the rules of the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration, in the establishment and operation of rehabilitation facilities and such other program services as may be determined by the division, which are consistent with the purposes of this subchapter.
(c)
The division is authorized and empowered to lease or purchase public or private property, real, personal, or mixed, for the purpose of establishing and operating rehabilitation facilities.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 2302, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 3488, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1955, No. 43, § 7; 1959, No. 34, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2546.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 2 - REHABILITATION ACT OF ARKANSAS (§§ 20-79-201 — 20-79-216) › Section 20-79-208 - Ownership, exchange, and sale of equipment

(a)
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services is authorized to retain title to any property, tools, instruments, training supplies, equipment, or other items of value acquired for use by individuals with disabilities and to repossess and transfer title for the use of other individuals with disabilities.
(b)
The Division of Workforce Services is authorized to offer for sale any surplus items acquired in the operation of the program when they are no longer necessary or to exchange them for necessary items which may be used to greater advantage.
(c)
(1)
When any surplus equipment is sold or exchanged, a receipt for the equipment shall be taken from the purchaser showing the consideration given for the equipment and forwarded to the Treasurer of State.
(2)
Any funds received by the division pursuant to the transactions shall be deposited into the State Treasury in the appropriate federal or state rehabilitation fund and shall be available for expenditures for any purposes consistent with this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 503,§ 7, eff. 8/1/2023.
Acts 1955, No. 43, § 14; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2553.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 2 - REHABILITATION ACT OF ARKANSAS (§§ 20-79-201 — 20-79-216) › Section 20-79-209 - Acceptance and use of gifts

The division is authorized and empowered to accept and use gifts and donations, whether from public or private sources, as may be offered unconditionally or under such conditions as are determined proper and consistent with the provisions of this subchapter, and the division may hold, invest, reinvest, and use the gifts and donations in accordance with the conditions of the gifts and donations.
Acts 1955, No. 43, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2550.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 2 - REHABILITATION ACT OF ARKANSAS (§§ 20-79-201 — 20-79-216) › Section 20-79-210 - Receipt and disbursement of rehabilitation funds

(a)
The Treasurer of State is designated as custodian of all moneys received from the United States Government for the purpose of carrying out any federal statutes pertaining to the purpose of this subchapter.
(b)
The Treasurer of State shall make disbursements from the federal funds and all state funds available for such purposes upon certification in the manner provided in §
20-79-204
.
(c)
All federal grants received in adjustment of the federal-state account may be expended during the year received or in any succeeding year.
Acts 1955, No. 43, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2548.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 2 - REHABILITATION ACT OF ARKANSAS (§§ 20-79-201 — 20-79-216) › Section 20-79-211 - Appropriations

(a)
Budget estimates of the amount of appropriations needed each fiscal year for rehabilitation services and for the administration of the program shall be submitted by the deputy director to the Department of Commerce. The amount approved shall be included in the estimates made by the department to the General Assembly for the operation of the rehabilitation program.
(b)
In the event federal funds are available to the State of Arkansas for rehabilitation purposes, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services is authorized to comply with such requirements as may be necessary to obtain the federal funds in the maximum amount and most advantageous proportion possible insofar as this may be done without violating other provisions of the state law and the Arkansas Constitution.
(c)
In the event the United States Congress fails in any year to appropriate funds for grants-in-aid to the state for rehabilitation purposes, the department shall include as a part of the budget a request for adequate state funds for rehabilitation purposes.
Acts 1955, No. 43, § 10; 1959, No. 34, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2549.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 2 - REHABILITATION ACT OF ARKANSAS (§§ 20-79-201 — 20-79-216) › Section 20-79-212 - Limitation of political activity by officer or employee

(a)
No officer or employee engaged in the administration of the rehabilitation program shall use his or her official authority or influence, or permit the use of the rehabilitation program, for the purpose of interfering with an election or affecting the results thereof or for any partisan political purpose.
(b)
No officer or employee shall take any active part in the management of political campaigns or participate in any political activity, except that he or she shall retain the right to vote as he or she may please and to express his or her opinions as a citizen on all subjects.
(c)
No officer or employee shall solicit or receive, nor shall any officer or employee be obligated to contribute or render, any service, assistance, subscription, assessment, or contribution for any political purpose.
(d)
Any officer or employee violating this provision shall be subject to discharge or suspension.
Acts 1955, No. 43, § 17; 1959, No. 34, § 13; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2556.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 2 - REHABILITATION ACT OF ARKANSAS (§§ 20-79-201 — 20-79-216) › Section 20-79-213 - Eligibility for rehabilitation services

(a)
Rehabilitation services shall be provided to any individual with a disability:
(1)
Who is a bona fide resident of the state at the time of filing his or her application therefor and whose rehabilitation the Director of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services determines, after full investigation, can be satisfactorily achieved; or
(2)
Who is eligible therefor under the terms of an agreement with another state or with the United States Government.
(b)
However, except as otherwise provided by law or as specified in any agreement with the United States Government with respect to classes of individuals certified to the Division of Workforce Services, the following rehabilitation services shall be provided at public cost only to individuals with a disability found to require financial assistance with respect thereto:
(1)
Physical restoration;
(2)
Transportation provided for purposes other than to determine the eligibility of the individual for rehabilitation services and the nature and extent of the services necessary;
(3)
Occupational and business licenses;
(4)
Tools, equipment, initial stock and supplies, including livestock and capital advances, books, and training materials; and
(5)
Maintenance.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 389,§ 87, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1955, No. 43, § 12; 1959, No. 34, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2551.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 2 - REHABILITATION ACT OF ARKANSAS (§§ 20-79-201 — 20-79-216) › Section 20-79-214 - Nonassignability and exemption from claims of creditors of maintenance

The right of individuals with a disability to maintenance under this subchapter shall not be transferable or assignable at law or in equity and shall be exempt from the claims of creditors.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 389,§ 87, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1955, No. 43, § 13; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2552.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 2 - REHABILITATION ACT OF ARKANSAS (§§ 20-79-201 — 20-79-216) › Section 20-79-215 - Hearings

Any individual applying for or receiving rehabilitation who is aggrieved by any action or inaction of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services shall be entitled to a hearing in accordance with the rules adopted and promulgated by the Division of Workforce Services on that subject.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 2303, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1955, No. 43, § 15; 1959, No. 34, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2554.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 2 - REHABILITATION ACT OF ARKANSAS (§§ 20-79-201 — 20-79-216) › Section 20-79-216 - Use of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services information prohibited - Exception

It shall be unlawful, except for purposes directly connected with the administration of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services and in accordance with rules, for any person to solicit, disclose, receive, or make use of, or to authorize, knowingly permit, participate in, or acquiesce in the use of any list of, or name of, or any information concerning persons applying for or receiving rehabilitation, directly or indirectly derived from the records.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 2304, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1955, No. 43, § 16; 1959, No. 34, § 12; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2555.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 3 - TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT REVOLVING LOAN FUND (§§ 20-79-301 — 20-79-303) › Section 20-79-301 - Committee - Establishment - Members

(a)
(1)
There is created the Technology Equipment Revolving Loan Fund Committee, to be composed of nine (9) members, of which at least five (5) members must be individuals with disabilities, to be appointed by the Governor as follows:
(A)
The Commissioner of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services;
(B)
A representative of the banking industry;
(C)
A representative of a disability-related consumer organization;
(D)
A certified public accountant; and
(E)
Five (5) additional members appointed from the state at large.
(2)
The commissioner shall be an ex officio member and shall serve as Chair of the Technology Equipment Revolving Loan Fund Committee, voting only in case of a tie vote.
(3)
The committee shall elect from its membership a vice chair and a secretary-treasurer.
(b)
All members shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years.
(c)
(1)
Vacancies on the committee from death, resignations, or otherwise shall be filled by appointment of the Governor to fill the unexpired term that had been created.
(2)
Any member of the committee who is absent from three (3) successive regular meetings for any reason other than illness of the member, verified by a written sworn statement by his or her attending physician and entered into the minutes of the committee, shall thereby forfeit and vacate his or her membership on the committee. This forfeiture and vacancy shall be certified to the Governor by the committee. The Governor shall fill the vacancy in the same manner as for other vacancies on the committee.
(d)
Members of the committee shall serve without additional compensation, except that committee members may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with §
25-16-901
et seq.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 182,§ 12, eff. 8/1/2023.
Acts 1993, No. 384, § 6; 1997, No. 250, § 208.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 3 - TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT REVOLVING LOAN FUND (§§ 20-79-301 — 20-79-303) › Section 20-79-302 - Committee - Meetings - Rules and regulations

(a)
The Technology Equipment Revolving Loan Fund Committee shall meet at least one (1) time annually and may meet more often as necessary if meetings are called by the Chair of the Technology Equipment Revolving Loan Fund Committee or by a majority of the committee and if all members of the committee are notified of the time, date, and place of the meeting in advance.
(b)
(1)
The committee shall adopt rules governing its proceedings.
(2)
All rules adopted by the committee shall be promulgated pursuant to the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, §
25-15-201
et seq.
Acts 1993, No. 384, §§ 6-8.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 3 - TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT REVOLVING LOAN FUND (§§ 20-79-301 — 20-79-303) › Section 20-79-303 - Technology Equipment Revolving Loan Fund - Administration

(a)
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services shall administer the Technology Equipment Revolving Loan Fund.
(b)
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services shall submit to the Technology Equipment Revolving Loan Fund Committee proposed rules governing the operation of the fund, including, but not limited to, eligibility for receipt of funds, purposes for which funds may be available, repayment of funds, administrative adjudications in accordance with Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, §
25-15-201
et seq., and all other matters consistent with and necessary to accomplish the purposes as set out in this subchapter.
(c)
(1)
The committee shall be advisers to Arkansas Rehabilitation Services in making loans under this subchapter.
(2)
The Commissioner of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services must act on the recommendation of the committee within thirty (30) days of the committee's recommendation or the recommendation of the committee shall be final.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 182,§ 13, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 2305, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1993, No. 384, §§ 6, 8, 9.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 4 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES (§§ 20-79-401 — 20-79-403) › Section 20-79-401 - Statewide program established

(a)
(1)
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services is hereby directed to establish, administer, staff, and promote a statewide program to provide access to public telecommunications services by residents of Arkansas who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf and blind, severely speech-impaired, or who have other disabilities that impair their ability to effectively access the telecommunications network. This program will enable these individuals to access specialized devices or services for telecommunications network access that is functionally equivalent to that enjoyed by individuals without disabilities.
(2)
This program shall include, but is not limited to:
(A)
The purchase and distribution of telecommunications devices and related devices for the persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf and blind, severely speech-impaired, or who have other disabilities that impair their ability to effectively access the telecommunications network;
(B)
The promulgation of procedures, rules, and criteria necessary to implement and administer this program, including accountability measures which utilize consumer participation in the selection and evaluation of equipment and the eligibility of applicants; and
(C)
Other actions as may be necessary to implement and administer this program which are not otherwise prohibited by law.
(b)
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services shall employ at least one (1) full-time staff person to administer the equipment distribution program and may employ any additional support personnel for the program from within existing staff resources to assure statewide coverage for the program.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 2306, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1995, No. 501, § 1; 2001, No. 530, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 4 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES (§§ 20-79-401 — 20-79-403) › Section 20-79-402 - Eligibility

(a)
In order for a person to be eligible for the equipment distribution program, a person shall be certified as deaf, hard of hearing, deaf and blind, speech-impaired, or having another disability that impairs the individual's ability to effectively access the telecommunications network by a licensed physician, audiologist, or speech pathologist or by any other method recognized by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.
(b)
(1)
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services shall also consider financial need and, in so doing, shall take into account financial need standards or other means tests applicable to other programs administered by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services when promulgating procedures, rules, and criteria necessary to implement and administer the program.
(2)
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services may develop a sliding scale of eligibility to provide equipment to individuals exceeding the baseline needs tests mentioned in this section.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 2307, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1995, No. 501, § 2; 2001, No. 530, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 4 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES (§§ 20-79-401 — 20-79-403) › Section 20-79-403 - Ownership of equipment - Telecommunications Equipment Fund

(a)
(1)
Equipment purchased under this subchapter shall remain the property of the State of Arkansas for two (2) years and then become the property of the recipient of the equipment.
(2)
A person who receives the equipment shall be responsible for the maintenance of the equipment and liable to Arkansas Rehabilitation Services for the loss of or damage to the equipment.
(3)
In the event of the death of an individual in possession of the equipment, or should a person in possession of the equipment leave the state, the equipment shall automatically revert to the possession of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.
(b)
Any money collected by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services under this section shall be deposited into the Telecommunications Equipment Fund.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 182,§ 14, eff. 8/1/2023.
Acts 1995, No. 501, § 3; 2001, No. 530, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 80 - COMMUNITY SERVICES (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-412) › Subchapter 2 - OLDER WORKER COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT ACT (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-205) › Section 20-80-201 - Title

This subchapter may be cited as the "Older Worker Community Service Employment Act".
Acts 1985, No. 1031, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 81-1507.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 80 - COMMUNITY SERVICES (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-412) › Subchapter 2 - OLDER WORKER COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT ACT (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-205) › Section 20-80-202 - Purpose

(a)
In order to foster and promote useful part-time employment opportunities in community service activities for persons who are fifty-five (55) years of age or older and who have poor employment prospects, the Older Worker Community Service Employment Program is created.
(b)
The Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services is authorized to establish and administer the program in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter, utilizing such funds as may be appropriated by the General Assembly in support of this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 913,§ 115, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 295,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.
Acts 1985, No. 1031, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 81-1508.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 80 - COMMUNITY SERVICES (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-412) › Subchapter 2 - OLDER WORKER COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT ACT (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-205) › Section 20-80-203 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter:
(1)
"Community service" means social, health, welfare, educational, recreational development, maintenance, or restoration of natural resources, community betterment or beautification, environmental protection, and other services that are or might be essential and necessary to the community;
(2)
"Community-based agency" means a public or not-for-profit organization whose primary purposes and experiences are in the development and implementation of programs for the elderly;
(3)
(A)
"Eligible individual or participant" means an individual who is fifty-five (55) years of age or older.
(B)
Furthermore, participants in the program funded under this subchapter shall not be considered to be state employees as a result of the employment for any purpose; and
(4)
"Program" means the Older Worker Community Service Employment Program.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 295,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.
Acts 1985, No. 1031, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 81-1509; Acts 1991, No. 772, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 80 - COMMUNITY SERVICES (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-412) › Subchapter 2 - OLDER WORKER COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT ACT (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-205) › Section 20-80-204 - Administration of program

To implement this subchapter, the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services is authorized:
(1)
(A)
To enter into agreements with and make program grants to community-based agencies for the purpose of establishing statewide implementation of the Older Worker Community Service Employment Program.
(B)
However, the division shall make no payments towards the cost of the program unless the division determines that the community-based agencies will adhere to the provisions of §
20-80-205
and the established rules or policies related to the administration of this subchapter;
(2)
To allow reasonable and appropriate administrative cost for the total program, which in no event shall exceed the allowable percentage limitation established for Title III of the Older Americans Act, and
45 C.F.R. § 1321.1
et seq.; and
(3)
To make, issue, and amend rules and policies necessary to effectively carry out this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 913,§ 116, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 295,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.
Acts 1985, No. 1031, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 81-1510.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 80 - COMMUNITY SERVICES (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-412) › Subchapter 2 - OLDER WORKER COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT ACT (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-205) › Section 20-80-205 - Program standards and procedures

(a)
In the development and implementation of the Older Worker Community Service Employment Program, the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services shall adopt program standards and procedures that will ensure that the intent and provisions of this subchapter are adhered to by community-based agencies receiving program grant funds.
(b)
At a minimum, the program and each program grant funded will:
(1)
Provide employment only for eligible individuals, except for necessary technical, administrative, and supervisory personnel, but the personnel shall, to the fullest extent possible, be recruited from among eligible individuals;
(2)
Employ eligible individuals in community service programs or agencies sponsored by organizations exempt from taxation under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, other than political parties, except projects involving the construction, operation, or maintenance of any facility used or to be used as a place for sectarian religious instruction or worship;
(3)
Contribute to the general welfare of the community;
(4)
Provide employment for eligible individuals whose opportunities for other suitable public or private paid employment are poor;
(5)
Result in an increase in employment opportunities for eligible individuals and will not result in the displacement of employed workers or impair existing contracts;
(6)
Utilize methods of recruitment and selection which will assure that the maximum number of eligible individuals will have an opportunity to participate in the program;
(7)
Ensure that, to the extent feasible, the program will serve the needs of minority eligible individuals in proportion to their number in the state;
(8)
Ensure that safe and healthy conditions of work will be provided and that persons employed in community services jobs assisted under this subchapter shall be paid at least the minimum wage as established by the Fair Labor Standards Act; and
(9)
Ensure that program employers provide personnel fringe benefits for participants. The coverage shall include workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, Federal Insurance Contributions Act,
26 U.S.C. § 3128
, and other coverage as may be required by regulation or policy.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 913,§ 117, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1985, No. 1031, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 81-1511.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 80 - COMMUNITY SERVICES (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-412) › Subchapter 3 - COMMUNITY SERVICE AND COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM ACT OF 1985 (§§ 20-80-301 — 20-80-312) › Section 20-80-301 - Title

This subchapter shall be known as the "Community Service and Community Action Program Act of 1985".
Acts 1985, No. 345, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 83-1107.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 80 - COMMUNITY SERVICES (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-412) › Subchapter 3 - COMMUNITY SERVICE AND COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM ACT OF 1985 (§§ 20-80-301 — 20-80-312) › Section 20-80-302 - Purpose

(a)
The purpose of this subchapter is to encourage nonprofit community action organizations which have been formed to provide basic and essential human services to low income and elderly citizens of Arkansas in the areas of health, transportation, housing, home repair and weatherization, aging programs and aging alternatives to institutionalization, developmental child care and enrichment, youth opportunity programs, and other related activities which the General Assembly recognizes as beneficial to a large number of Arkansas citizens.
(b)
It is further the purpose of this subchapter to encourage and promote the operations and activities of community action agencies whether the activities are conducted by one (1) agency or by two (2) or more cooperating agencies.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 3209, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1985, No. 345, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 83-1107.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 80 - COMMUNITY SERVICES (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-412) › Subchapter 3 - COMMUNITY SERVICE AND COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM ACT OF 1985 (§§ 20-80-301 — 20-80-312) › Section 20-80-303 - Exception

Nothing in this subchapter is intended to change or in any way conflict with the status, boundaries, or functions of regional or metropolitan planning commissions or councils of governments established under §§
14-17-301
-
14-17-309
and
14-56-501
-
14-56-509
nor the status, boundaries, and functions of planning and development districts as established and recognized under §§
14-166-201
-
14-166-205
.
Acts 1985, No. 345, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 83-1108.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 80 - COMMUNITY SERVICES (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-412) › Subchapter 3 - COMMUNITY SERVICE AND COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM ACT OF 1985 (§§ 20-80-301 — 20-80-312) › Section 20-80-304 - Recognition of agencies generally - Establishment of financial assistance

In furtherance of the purposes of this subchapter, the General Assembly recognizes community action organizations in their efforts to provide services beneficial to low-income citizens of this state and establishes a program of financial assistance to recognized community action agencies to enable them to continue and expand activities and programs stated in §
20-80-302
.
Acts 1985, No. 345, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 83-1107.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 80 - COMMUNITY SERVICES (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-412) › Subchapter 3 - COMMUNITY SERVICE AND COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM ACT OF 1985 (§§ 20-80-301 — 20-80-312) › Section 20-80-305 - Recognition of specific agencies - Jurisdiction

The General Assembly recognizes as community action agencies and their jurisdiction, the following nineteen (19) existing community action organizations:
(1)
Arkansas River Valley Area Council, consisting of Franklin, Scott, Yell, Johnson, Pope, Conway, Perry, Logan, and Polk counties;
(2)
Black River Area Development Corporation, consisting of Randolph, Clay, and Lawrence counties;
(3)
Central Arkansas Development Council, consisting of Saline, Hot Spring, Clark, Pike, and Montgomery counties;
(4)
Community Action Program for Central Arkansas, consisting of White, Faulkner, and Cleburne counties;
(5)
Crowley's Ridge Development Council, Inc., consisting of Craighead, Greene, Jackson, and Poinsett counties;
(6)
Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council, Inc., consisting of Crawford and Sebastian counties;
(7)
Community Services Office, Inc., consisting of Garland County;
(8)
East Central Arkansas Economic Opportunity Corporation, consisting of Cross, St. Francis, Woodruff, Crittenden, and Lee counties;
(9)
Economic Opportunity Agency of Pulaski County, consisting of Pulaski and Lonoke counties;
(10)
Economic Opportunity Agency of Washington County, consisting of Washington County;
(11)
Arkansas Economic Opportunity Commission, Inc., consisting of Mississippi County;
(12)
Mid-Delta Community Services, Inc., consisting of Phillips, Monroe, and Prairie counties;
(13)
Northcentral Arkansas Development Council, consisting of Fulton, Izard, Sharp, Stone, and Independence counties;
(14)
Office of Human Concern, consisting of Benton, Carroll, and Madison counties;
(15)
Ozark Opportunities, Inc., consisting of Van Buren, Searcy, Boone, Marion, Baxter, and Newton counties;
(16)
Pine Bluff Jefferson County Economic Opportunity Commission, Inc., consisting of Jefferson, Grant, Arkansas, Lincoln, and Cleveland counties;
(17)
South Central Community Action Authority, consisting of Ouachita, Columbia, Calhoun, Dallas, and Union counties;
(18)
Southeast Arkansas Community Action Corporation, consisting of Bradley, Drew, Desha, Ashley, and Chicot counties; and
(19)
Southwest Arkansas Development Council, Inc., consisting of Little River, Hempstead, Miller, Lafayette, Howard, Sevier, and Nevada counties.
Acts 1985, No. 345, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 83-1108.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 80 - COMMUNITY SERVICES (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-412) › Subchapter 3 - COMMUNITY SERVICE AND COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM ACT OF 1985 (§§ 20-80-301 — 20-80-312) › Section 20-80-306 - Recognition of specific agencies - Change of boundaries and number

The appropriate division of the Department of Human Services is authorized to change the boundaries and the number of officially recognized community action agencies, provided that concurrence therein is obtained of the governing boards of each of the affected existing agencies as recognized in §
20-80-305
.
Acts 1985, No. 345, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 83-1108.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 80 - COMMUNITY SERVICES (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-412) › Subchapter 3 - COMMUNITY SERVICE AND COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM ACT OF 1985 (§§ 20-80-301 — 20-80-312) › Section 20-80-307 - Recognition of representative organizations

(a)
The governing boards of directors of the nineteen (19) existing community action organizations are recognized as the representative organizations of the community action agencies as recognized in §
20-80-305
.
(b)
The appropriate division of the Department of Human Services is authorized, whenever agency boundaries have been changed in accordance with §
20-80-306
, to recognize the representative organizations of the new community action agencies.
(c)
In order to qualify for recognition and further benefits under this subchapter, a community action agency shall have been organized and constituted under the provisions of the Community Service Block Grant Act of 1981 and shall have a governing board whose numbers are elected and are representatives of specific community interests in accordance with the Community Service Block Grant Act of 1981.
Acts 1985, No. 345, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 83-1109.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 80 - COMMUNITY SERVICES (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-412) › Subchapter 3 - COMMUNITY SERVICE AND COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM ACT OF 1985 (§§ 20-80-301 — 20-80-312) › Section 20-80-309 - Funding - Appropriations - Permitted use of funds

(a)
The appropriate division of the Department of Human Services is authorized to make payments from time to time to officially recognized organizations of community action agencies from state funds appropriated for that purpose. Payments shall be scheduled to begin as nearly as possible on July 1 of each fiscal year and on the first day of each calendar quarter thereafter.
(b)
Funds appropriated for payments to the organizations of community action agencies shall be allocated on the basis of equitable criteria established by the appropriate division based upon application for programs.
(c)
If any change occurs in the jurisdictions of any of the officially recognized nineteen (19) community action agencies, as authorized in §
20-80-306
, the first allocation of appropriated funds to the former agency or agencies, which comprise counties reorganized under the jurisdiction of a newly recognized agency, shall be apportioned to the new agency or agencies in accordance with equitable criteria established by the appropriate division.
(d)
(1)
(A)
At least ninety percent (90%) of the funds received and appropriated by the state from the United States Government under the community services block grant shall be allocated to community action agencies, as defined in this subchapter, under a formula to be determined by the appropriate division which is designated as the disbursing agency for community services block grant funds.
(B)
The powers of every community action agency governing board shall include the power to appoint persons to senior staff positions to determine major personnel, fiscal, and program policies to approve overall program plans and priorities and to assure compliance with conditions of and approve proposals for financial assistance under this subchapter.
(C)
No more than five percent (5%) of the community services block grant may be used by the disbursing agency for administrative purposes.
(D)
Any subsequently remaining funds may be used for purposes to be determined by the disbursing agency.
(2)
In the event that the community services block grant is eliminated, each community action agency shall be funded, subject to the restrictions of applicable law or regulation, in the distribution of other federal funds which can be used to support antipoverty programs.
Acts 1985, No. 345, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 83-1111.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 80 - COMMUNITY SERVICES (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-412) › Subchapter 3 - COMMUNITY SERVICE AND COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM ACT OF 1985 (§§ 20-80-301 — 20-80-312) › Section 20-80-310 - Funding - Notification by General Assembly - Application

(a)
Whenever the General Assembly has appropriated funds in order to make payments to officially recognized community action agencies as authorized in this subchapter, the appropriate division of the Department of Human Services shall notify the respective governing boards of the agencies of the amount allocated to the agencies as provided in §
20-80-308
[repealed] and shall notify the respective boards that application for the funds may be made upon forms provided therefor by the appropriate division.
(b)
Upon the receipt of application for the funds, the appropriate division shall determine that the following conditions have been met before disbursing the payments:
(1)
The community action organization is an officially recognized community action agency, in accordance with §§
20-80-305
and
20-80-306
and has been constituted in accordance with §
20-80-307(c)
; and
(2)
The agency board of directors shall certify that a proposed budget has been established for the expenditure of state funds for purposes consistent with the purpose of this subchapter.
(c)
At the end of each fiscal year, an audited report of each community action agency shall be submitted to the appropriate division.
(d)
Any amounts of state funds unexpended or unobligated by June 30 shall be returned by the agency to the State Treasury.
(e)
If any community action agency shall have expended any state funds for any purpose not within the purpose and intent of this subchapter, that amount shall be reimbursed by the agency to the State of Arkansas before any additional payments may be made to the agency.
Acts 1985, No. 345, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 83-1112.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 80 - COMMUNITY SERVICES (§§ 20-80-201 — 20-80-412) › Subchapter 3 - COMMUNITY SERVICE AND COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM ACT OF 1985 (§§ 20-80-301 — 20-80-312) › Section 20-80-311 - Funding - Antipoverty programs

State funds appropriated by the General Assembly to the appropriate division of the Department of Human Services for payments to be made to recognize community action agencies in accordance with this subchapter shall be used by the agencies for funding antipoverty programs designated by state rules.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 2308, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1985, No. 345, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 83-1113.