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Memorial Day 2023

May 26, 2023
The State Capitol Offices and all State Buildings will be Closed on Monday, May 29, 2023, to observe Memorial Day. A legal holiday by authority of Act 304 of 2001 and amended by Act 561 of 2017. Memorial Day BulletinMemorial Day Bulletin Grayscale
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Remember and Honor

May 25, 2023
Our state has a deep-rooted history of patriotism and sacrifice. In World War II, nearly 10% of our population at the time served our country in the various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.More than 3,500 were killed as a result of combat.Arkansans continued to answer the call to serve.  461 Arkansans lost their lives […]
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2023 Economic Development Legislation

May 18, 2023
Employment in Arkansas has increased for seven consecutive months. The latest report from the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services shows the unemployment rate at 2.8%.  By comparison, the national unemployment rate is 3.4%.Compared to this time last year, there are 12,869 additional employed Arkansans.While low unemployment rates and indicative of a healthy and growing economy, […]
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National Police Week

May 12, 2023
National Police Week begins on Sunday, May 14. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. National Police Week offers honor and remembrance while allowing law enforcement, survivors, and citizens to gather and pay […]
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Statement from Speaker Matthew J. Shepherd

May 8, 2023
Arkansas House Speaker Matthew Shepherd has released the following statement: “As we have stated before emergency clause votes are recorded separately in the House Journal. Voting in the House is a matter of process which the House has the authority to determine. With regard to the LEARNS Act the House handled it consistent with its […]
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2023 Legislation Regarding Human Trafficking

May 5, 2023
Since its inception in 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has identified 557 cases of human trafficking in Arkansas. Close to 1,500 victims were identified in these cases. Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons or modern-day slavery, is a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services or […]
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Mental Health Legislation 2023

April 27, 2023
In the months leading up to the 2023 Regular Session, several legislators were meeting with mental health providers, medical professionals, and behavioral health stakeholders to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the mental and behavioral health care currently available in the state. This study resulted in several recommendations and as a result, the 94th General […]
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Transportation Laws 2023

April 21, 2023
In the most recent legislative session, the Arkansas General Assembly made several changes to our laws regarding transportation. The new laws impact everything from distracted driving to getting your car tags. Below is a list of acts signed this year regarding transportation: Act 445 seeks to strengthen our laws regarding distracted driving. It states if […]
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Election Legislation from the 2023 Regular Session

April 14, 2023
More than twenty bills passed in the 2023 Regular Session address Arkansas elections. From how an initiative is placed on the ballot to when the polls are open, several changes are being made due to recent legislation. The following pieces of legislation regarding elections have been signed into law: Act 236 amends the procedure for […]
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Final Week of the 2023 Regular Session

April 7, 2023
In the final week of the 2023 Regular Session, the House passed a criminal justice reform bill, a tax cut, and a budget that increases spending in education and public safety. The House passed SB549. This bill will reduce the state’s top income tax rate from 4.9% to 4.7%. It also reduces the corporate income […]
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Daily Summary for Tuesday April 4, 2023

April 4, 2023
On Tuesday, the House adopted HJR1006. This resolution is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow lottery proceeds to provide scholarships and grants to Arkansans enrolled in vocational-technical schools and technical institutes. The House also passed the following bills: HB1688-This bill amends public school funding. It increases per-pupil funding from the current amount of $7,413 […]