News

After an extended recess due to the winter weather, House members are back at the Capitol. On Monday, the House passed SB236, which exempts unemployment benefits paid in 2020 and 2021 from state income tax. Last year, due to the pandemic, more than 280,000 Arkansans received unemployment benefits. Currently, state income taxes are not withheld. […]

This week was yet another example of how Arkansans overcome in difficult times. From the workers clearing our roads to the power company employees doing their best to keep houses warm, we want to extend our deepest appreciation to our essential workers.The General Assembly took an extended recess due to the winter weather across our […]

There are 25 proposed constitutional amendments filed in the House and 18 in the Senate. The deadline to file proposed amendments was February 10. Proposals range from creating a citizens commission on minimum wage to tort reform.The House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee will hear testimony and vote on proposals later this session. We […]

Today is the deadline for members to file proposed Constitutional Amendments. More than 20 proposed amendments have been filed. You can find a complete list of the proposals which are labeled House Joint Resolutions and Senate Joint Resolutions at www.arkleg.state.ar.us.This afternoon, the House passed several bills including the following:HB1118-This bill allows the cottage food industry […]

Tomorrow is the last day members can file proposed Constitutional Amendments. The General Assembly can refer a maximum of three amendments for the November 2022 General Election ballot. Proposed amendments are filed as either a House Joint Resolution (HJR) or a Senate Joint Resolution (SJR). The House State Agencies committee will review and vote on […]

More than 70 bills have now been signed into law as we begin the 5th week of the 2021 Regular Session. Another bill now making its way to the Governor’s desk is SB99. This bill, which regulates “step therapy” protocols, passed the House by a vote of 96-0.Health benefit plans are increasingly making use of […]

The 93rd General Assembly now prepares to enter the 5th week of the 2021 Regular Session. The House passed a resolution to extend this session, if necessary, to May 3. The resolution provides for a recess on April 9. The deadline for members to file proposed Constitutional Amendments is February 10. The General Assembly can […]

The House has adjourned from the 4th week of the Regular Session.The following bills were passed by the House Thursday afternoon:HB1315. This bill creates a state meat inspection program. The bill states that a lack of a state meat inspection program causes a significant loss of revenue generated from meat processing for this state and […]

On Wednesday, the House passed several pieces of legislation, including the following: ·      HB1212-This bill gives the Director of the Division of Workforce Services the discretion to modify employer contributions for certain unemployment insurance claims during an emergency. ·      HB1068-This bill would allow for the use of telemedicine for group therapy […]

On Tuesday, the House passed HB1022. This bill states drivers must have their vehicle’s headlights on from sunset to sunrise. The current law states lights must be on from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise. The House also passed HB1112. This bill eliminates the option for individuals to complete a sworn statement […]

The House began the 4th week of the 2021 Regular Session on Monday.This morning, the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced HB1112. This bill eliminates the option for voters to complete a sworn statement in order to cast a provisional ballot if they did not have the required photo identification.With a vote of […]

Several bills are now making their way to the Governor’s desk including one that intends to expand broadband services across the state.SB74 had unanimous support in both the House and the Senate.This bill allows cities, counties, and improvement districts to partner with established providers to expand broadband services for those who currently do not have […]