Advisory Bodies

Has the state established an advisory body for settlement funds?

Yes. Though the state government has not established an advisory body to inform uses of its 1/3 share, the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP) — a partnership between the Arkansas Municipal League and Arkansas Association of Counties — was created by the cities and counties distribution agreements to oversee their combined 2/3 share of opioid settlement funds.[1] The distribution agreements require the ARORP Advisory Board to “study proposals and make recommendations . . . regarding programs and strategies to abate the Arkansas opioid epidemic.”[2]

Is the state advisory body required to include member(s) with lived and/or living experience?

No. Though there are no published rules requiring the ARORP Advisory Board to include a member with lived and/or living experience, its website describes its members as “intentionally selected to represent people with lived experience and a diversity of geographic regions, economic sectors, and demographics.”[3]

What is the overall membership of the state advisory body?

The ARORP Advisory Board is required to have an equal number of members appointed by the Director of the Arkansas Municipal League and the Director of the Arkansas Association of Counties.[4] As of September 1, 2024, the Advisory Board had 12 members representing a mix of backgrounds, including law enforcement, judges, clinicians, and a youth advocate. Current members of the ARORP Advisory Board are listed here.

Are local governments required to establish a settlement advisory body? If so, are local advisory bodies required to include member(s) with lived and/or living experience?

No (up to each locality). Local governments in Arkansas, whose combined 2/3 share of funds are overseen by the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP), are not each required to establish individual opioid settlement advisory bodies. However, localities may independently choose to establish advisory councils that include members with lived and/or living experience to help ensure that settlement spending reflects community priorities.

What else should I know?

Not applicable.

Citations

1. About Us. Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership website. Accessed September 1, 2024 (“The cities and counties distribution agreements (substantively the same), under which the cities and counties formed ARORP together and established a mission statement, guidelines for ARORP, and guidelines for applicants. The city/county distribution agreements are exhibits to the MOU”). ↑

2. Cities Distribution Agreement, Sec. 5; Counties Distribution Agreement, Sec. 5. See also Our Board. Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership website. Accessed September 1, 2024 ↑

3. Our Board. Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership website. Accessed September 1, 2024 (emphasis added). ↑

4. Cities Distribution Agreement, Sec. 5; Counties Distribution Agreement, Sec. 5. ↑