Committee approves bill allowing Arkansas unincorporated nonprofits greater autonomy from national organizations

Senator Jonathan Dismang presented House Bill 18 16, which he said strengthens the authority of Arkansas unincorporated nonprofits to govern themselves when their policies or governance differ from their national organizations.

Dismang described the bill in general terms and invited questions. Senator Johnson asked whether the measure had anything to do with the national school board association; Dismang said he was not aware of a connection. Senator Boyd asked whether any national associations opposed the bill; Dismang said he had not heard of opposition.

Senators signaled support, and the committee voted to pass the bill out of committee. The transcript records no in‑committee opposition, and the sponsor indicated broad or no known national opposition at the time of the hearing.