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On Monday, the House passed HB1292. This bill allows the director of Children and Family Services to waive the residency requirement for the adoption of a minor under certain conditions. Specifically, this applies if the child is under 6 months old or if the child is 16 years or older and participating in a life […]

On Monday, the House passed HB1292. This bill allows the director of Children and Family Services to waive the residency requirement for the adoption of a minor under certain conditions. Specifically, this applies if the child is under 6 months old or if the child is 16 years or older and participating in a life […]

As we move through the 2025 legislative session, the Arkansas House of Representatives has passed several important bills that will impact our communities, focusing on education, healthcare, and food security. Here’s a summary of the key measures approved during the fifth week of the session: SB59: An Act to Provide Each Public School Student with […]

On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed several pieces of legislation. The House passed SB59, which ensures that every student can receive one free breakfast per school day upon request, funded by medical marijuana tax revenue, regardless of eligibility for federally funded meals. SB142, known as the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, was also […]

On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed several pieces of legislation. The House passed SB59, which ensures that every student can receive one free breakfast per school day upon request, funded by medical marijuana tax revenue, regardless of eligibility for federally funded meals. SB142, known as the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, was also […]

On Wednesday, the House City, County, and Local Affairs Committee advanced HB1445, which restricts certain limitations on short-term rental regulations. The House passed HB1427, the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, a $45.3 million investment in maternal health. This bill establishes presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women, creates reimbursement pathways for doulas and community health workers, […]

The House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee advanced HB1427, the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act. This bill establishes presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women, creates reimbursement pathways for doulas and community health workers, and expands Medicaid coverage to include remote ultrasounds, remote blood pressure monitoring, and continuous glucose monitoring. It also unbundles Medicaid payments […]

On Monday, the Arkansas House of Representatives passed several bills addressing key issues across the state. SB182 was approved to ensure county employees continue receiving pay even if a city or county fails to pass its annual budget. Under this legislation, the previous year’s budget will remain in effect until a new one is adopted. […]

As the Arkansas House of Representatives enters the 5th week of the 2025 Regular Session, several key pieces of legislation have moved forward, addressing issues ranging from food freedom to healthcare access and election policy. One measure that received House approval, HB1149, ensures that counties and municipalities cannot impose regulations on vegetable gardens located on […]

On Thursday, the House Education Committee advanced SB142, known as the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, which would require public schools and open-enrollment charter schools to prohibit students from using cell phones or personal electronic devices during the school day, with certain exceptions outlined for emergencies. The House passed HB1180, mandating that public schools […]

On Wednesday, the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced SB3, a bill that seeks to eliminate affirmative action programs in state government. The proposed legislation states that the state shall not discriminate against or grant preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in matters related to state employment, public […]

On Tuesday, the House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee advanced HB1181, which grants certified nurse midwives the authority to admit and discharge patients from licensed hospitals if granted privileges and allows them to complete and sign birth and death certificates. In the House Public Transportation Committee, SB45 was advanced to authorize a special license […]