Legislation

For the past decade, Joey McCutchen broadened the scope of his advocacy for the citizens of Arkansas and Oklahoma from courtrooms to the chambers of the state legislatures.  Protecting the rights of individuals is Joey’s passion, which is evidenced by the statewide impact of his legislative activities.

In 2001, Joey McCutchen spoke against HB2411, which severely limited nursing home residents’ rights. Joey made several visits to the state capitol until the bill was defeated.

In 2003, Joey McCutchen opposed HB1038, which later became signed into law as Act 649. “The Civil Justice Reform Act of 2003” compromised the constitutional rights of injured people. Mr. McCutchen testified before the House Judicial Committee showing the unconstitutionality of the proposed law and offered the alternative of “Insurance Reform.” McCutchen and Sexton continues to study “Insurance Reform” and plan a referendum or public initiative to protect citizens and physicians from rate increases without justification.  In 2009, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that two sections of Act 649 were unconstitutional. See the link below for a SWTR report.
http://www.swtimes.com/articles/2009/05/01/news/news050109_02.txt

In 2005, Mr. McCutchen testified on behalf of SB43, which later was signed into law as Act 490, the “Any Willing Provider” law. The bill protects consumer rights to choose medical providers rather than being financially forced by insurance companies to seek care from pre-selected providers. Joey demonstrated that while insurance company CEOs were being paid millions of dollars in salaries and bonuses, consumers were being treated unfairly by strict insurance reimbursement restrictions placed on their healthcare services.

In 2009, Joey McCutchen drafted a bill which became SB251, sponsored by Senator Denny Altes. The bill protected consumers from predatory marketing practices of various professional services by placing a 30-day waiting period for motor vehicle accident reports to be used for contact purposes. Many accident victims receive solicitations in the mail and by door-to-door callers immediately after an auto accident while they are most vulnerable. Mr. McCutchen’s original draft called for a 90-day waiting period to protect consumers.

During the 2009 Regular Session, Mr. McCutchen also supported SB217, a law requiring mandatory chemical testing of drivers involved in accidents producing death or the likelihood of death. The bill was signed into law as Act 423 of 2009. http://www.swtimes.com/articles/2009/05/03/news/news050309_04.txt

HB 1013 was another bill to which Joey devoted his attention and support in 2009.  The law improves the safety of roads for all drivers by prohibiting drivers from using handheld wireless telephones to engage in text messaging; and for other purposes.  A version of the bill was signed into law as Act 181 of 2009.

Arkansas State Legislature