News

On Wednesday, the House passed HB1419. This bill amends the procedure for the filing of a ballot initiative and referendum petition by requiring that signatures are gathered from at least 50 counties. Currently, signatures are required from 15 counties. The House also passed the following: HB1401-This bill reduces the time an able-bodied adult may receive […]

On Tuesday, the House passed HB1244. This bill would require the Department of Finance and Administration to offer drivers the option of a digitized driver’s license by February 2025. The bill states a digitized driver’s license may be accepted by a public entity for all state purposes authorized for a driver’s license. It does not […]

The 2023 Regular Session is now in its 7th week. On Monday, the House passed HB1153. This bill is titled an Act to Increase Youth Voice Regarding Foster Care Placements and Family Time. It states the court may consider the preferences of the juvenile if the juvenile is of sufficient age and capacity to reason, […]

The State of Arkansas will observe George Washington’s Birthday and Daisy Gatson Bates Day as an official state holiday on Monday, February 20, 2023. Due to the Legislature being in session, all State Offices, Boards and Commissions in Pulaski County must remain open with at least a partial staff. (Dept. of Finance and Administration Office […]

More than 70 bills have been signed into law since the 2023 Regular Session began and several more are now making their way to the Governor’s desk. In the 6th week of the session, the House passed bills addressing mental health access, payment to our county jails, teacher retirement, and voter input on tax measures. […]

On Thursday, the House passed HB1181. This bill establishes the Counseling Compact in Arkansas. It allows licensed professional counselors in Arkansas to treat clients in person or via telehealth in other compact member states. Currently, 17 states are members. The House also passed HB1402. This allows ethics complaints to be submitted online to the Arkansas […]

The House Aging, Children and Youth, and Legislative and Military Affairs Committee advanced HB1153. This bill is titled an Act to Increase Youth Voice Regarding Foster Care Placements and Family Time. It states the court may consider the preferences of the juvenile if the juvenile is of sufficient age and capacity to reason, regardless of […]

On Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee advanced HB1355. This bill would allow any Arkansan who is 70 years of age or older to voluntarily exempt himself or herself from or decline to participate in jury service at any time. Current law allows anyone 80 years of age or older to voluntarily exempt himself or herself […]

House members began the 6th week of the 2023 Regular Session on Monday. The House passed HB1325. This bill states that if a county board of election commissioners decides to hold early voting at an additional polling site, the hours the additional early voting polling site is open shall be the same hours as the […]

On the 5th week of the Regular Session, the House passed legislation addressing substance abuse, teen pregnancy, public assistance, and transportation. The House passed HB1144. This bill creates the Arkansas Family Treatment Specialty Court Act. The bill states that there is a critical need for judicial intervention and support for effective treatment programs to reduce […]

On Thursday, the House passed HB1340. This bill seeks to have veteran disability benefits excluded as income for eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by directing DHS to seek a federal waiver. The House also passed HB1344 which sets the minimum container size for liquor bottles to be sold in stores at 50 […]

On Wednesday, the House passed HCR1007. The resolution provides for an extension of the current session. It calls for the General Assembly to recess on April 7 and to adjourn Sine Die on May 1. The House also passed the following: HB1210-This bill removes a tax credit requirement of recertification for individuals with a developmental […]