News

The Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) and the council’s subcommittees met this week at the Capitol. These meetings were previously scheduled for the week of January 15 but were postponed due to the winter weather across the state. ALC members were presented with an update from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) regarding damage from […]

Public education stands as the primary expenditure within state government. This month, the House and Senate Education Committees began working on the Educational Adequacy Study. This study will serve as a recommendation to the legislature to determine funding for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. This in-depth process involves assessing the entirety of public education […]

Due to the winter weather, House Offices will be closed today. All ALC meetings scheduled for this week have been rescheduled for next week. You can find the schedule at https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/

This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee held a meeting to discuss concealed carry laws in Arkansas. This meeting was part of a series of meetings held as part of the Arkansas Firearms and Concealed Carry Laws Study. The purpose of the study is to ultimately simplify gun laws in the […]

The State of Arkansas will observe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday as an official state holiday on Monday, January 15, 2024. State Capitol offices and state buildings will be closed.  The State Capitol building will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Official Holiday Bulletin

As the Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election draw near in Arkansas, it’s crucial for every eligible citizen to recognize the power they hold within their vote. The upcoming election on March 5, 2024, serves as an opportunity for Arkansans to shape the future of their communities, the state, and the nation. The deadline […]

The State Capitol Offices and all State Buildings will be Closed to observe:New Year’s Day, Monday, January 1, 2024Legal holidays by authority of Act 304 of 2001 and amended by Act 561 of 2017. Official Holiday Bulletin

Many of the laws we passed in 2023 take effect on January 1, 2024. These new laws impact everything from taxes to criminal justice. Act 10 of the 2023 Extraordinary Session reduces the top personal income tax rate from 4.7% to 4.4% for tax years beginning January 1, 2024. The act also reduces the corporate […]

The State of Arkansas will observe Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day as official state holidays on Monday, December 25th, 2023; Tuesday, December 26th, 2023; and Monday, January 1st, 2024.  The State Capitol offices and all state buildings will be closed. The Capitol building continues to be open to the public for extended […]

Recently members of the Arkansas Legislative Council heard from several state agencies who are currently making plans for the 2024 Solar Eclipse. This astronomical phenomenon, where the Moon will cast a shadow over the sun, is expected to create a 117.9-mile-wide path of totality. The shadow will touch down in the southwest tip of Arkansas […]

This week marked the 8th consecutive year of a heartwarming Christmas celebration at the Capitol. Legislators, Capitol staff, state agencies, and lobbyists gathered to spread holiday cheer by bringing gifts for children in foster care. Year after year, this event is eagerly anticipated by participants as it brings much-needed joy and smiles to the faces […]

This week, the House Public Transportation Committee and the Senate Transportation, Technology, and Legislative Affairs Committee heard testimony from the Arkansas State Police and the Highway Police concerning the prevalent issue of driving in the left lane. In 2021, the Arkansas General Assembly passed legislation aimed at addressing the challenges posed by inappropriate use of […]