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Daily Summary for Thursday, February 6, 2025

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 […]
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Daily Summary for Wednesday, February 5, 2025

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 […]
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Daily Summary for Tuesday, February 4, 2025

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 […]
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Daily Summary for Monday, February 3, 2025

On Monday, the House of Representatives convened to address several pieces of legislation. The House passed HB1149, which prevents counties or municipalities from imposing regulations on vegetable gardens located on residential properties, ensuring homeowners have the right to cultivate their own produce. Additionally, the House passed HB1048, allowing for the sale of unpasteurized milk at […]
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Week 3 of the 2025 Regular Session

The Arkansas House of Representatives has completed the third week of the 2025 Regular Session, making significant progress on legislation that impacts residents across the state. This week, the House considered and passed several bills addressing a range of issues, from digital identification services to financial planning, tax relief, and public safety. Among the bills […]
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Daily Summary for Thursday, January 30, 2025

On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee advanced HB1067. This bill provides civil immunity to a federal firearms licensee who agrees to hold a firearm for an individual. The House voted in favor of HB1135. This bill amends the law concerning the fee for issuance of a digitized driver’s license or digitized identification card by removing […]
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Daily Summary for Wednesday, January 29,2025

On Wednesday, the House Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development Committee advanced HB1149, a bill that would prevent counties or municipalities from regulating vegetable gardens on residential properties. The committee also moved HB1048 forward, which allows for the sale of unpasteurized milk at a farmer’s market or via delivery from the farm where the milk is […]
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Daily Summary for Tuesday, January 28,2025

On Tuesday, several bills were advanced by House committees. The House Public Transportation Committee moved HB1046 forward. This bill proposes the creation of a Blue Envelope Program aimed at improving communication between individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and law enforcement during vehicle-related encounters. The bill directs the Department of Finance and Administration to develop […]
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Daily Summary for Monday, January 27,2025

The third week of the 2025 Regular Session is underway. On Monday, the House passed HB1005, which updates the law on tuition waivers for Arkansas National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to include programs that lead to postsecondary certificates or credentials. The House also approved HB1071, a bill that expands the Frank Broyles Publicity Rights Protection […]
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Week 2 of the 2025 Regular Session

The Arkansas House has wrapped up the second week of the 2025 Regular Session, during which several bills were passed.   HB1133, allows the Northwest Technical Institute to appoint a president with an industry background instead of requiring an educational background.   Another measure, HB1006, redesignates the 14th Judicial District as a Division A Judicial District. […]
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Daily Summary for January 23rd

On Thursday, the House Education Committee advanced HB1005. This bill would amend the law regarding tuition waivers for Arkansas National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to include programs of study leading to a postsecondary certificate or credential. The House Judiciary Committee advanced HB1071. This bill amends the Frank Broyles Publicity Rights Protection Act by providing protections […]
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Daily Summary for January 22nd

On Wednesday, the House City, County, and Local Affairs Committee advanced HB1137, a bill that will separate the offices of sheriff and tax collector in Searcy County effective January 1, 2027. The House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced HB1075, which prohibits local governments from restricting the use or sale of lawn care devices […]