News

With a vote of 94-0, the House passed legislation to expand broadband access in Arkansas.SB74 allows cities, counties, and improvement districts to partner with established providers to expand broadband services for those who currently do not have service or those who are underserved. The House passed HB1113, which amends the Commission of State Lands Urban […]

The House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced HB1211 which states the Governor shall not prohibit or limit a religious organization from continuing to operate religious services during a declared emergency. The bill does not prevent the Governor from requiring religious organizations to comply with neutral health, safety, or occupancy requirements that are applicable […]

On Tuesday, the House Education Committee advanced HB1151 which suspends the public school rating system for the 2020-2021 school year due to the continuing disruption to education caused by the ongoing pandemic. The committee also advanced HB1009 which allows a public school or an open-enrollment public charter school to distribute excess food to students for […]

The third week of the 2021 Regular Session is now underway. This morning, the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced HB1202. This requires counties to post sample ballots on the Secretary of State website at least 20 days before each preferential primary and general election and at least 10 days before each general […]

In the second week of the 2021 Regular Session, the House voted on bills addressing everything from car tags to jury duty pay. The bills now advancing to the Senate include:HB1028-This bill changes the length of time a consumer has to tag their vehicle. Current law gives car buyers 30 days to pay the sales […]

The House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced HB1056. This bill amends the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act allowing public meetings to be held via phone or video conference during a declared emergency.The House Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development Committee advanced HB1099 which authorizes the Veterinary Medical Examining Board to promulgate rules for use […]

The House began its second week of the Regular Session on Tuesday. The House Public Transportation Committee advanced HB1028. This bill changes the length of time a consumer has to license their vehicle. Current law gives car buyers 30 days to pay the sales tax and register a vehicle. HB 1028 would extend it to […]

House members are now ready to begin the second week of the 2021 Regular Session. Nearly 200 bills have been filed so far in the House and more than 135 have been filed in the Senate. House members elected to serve in the 93rd General Assembly took the oath of office in the House Chamber […]

The House has now completed its work for the first week of the 2021 Regular Session. This afternoon, the House passed HR1005, which requires members, staff, and the public to wear a mask when accessing House properties, including the House Chamber. HR1005 also provides remote voting options for members on House floor proceedings. Members can […]

News ReleaseLittle Rock, Arkansas (January 15, 2021) – Arkansas House Speaker Matthew J. Shepherd has appointed Rep. Charlene Fite of Van Buren to chair the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee for the 93rd General Assembly. This is her third term to chair the committee. The committee reviews matters pertaining to […]

The House Rules committee advanced resolutions outlining new rules and changes to procedure due to COVID-19.HR1005 requires members, staff, and the public to wear a mask when accessing House properties, including the House Chamber. Limited exceptions such as when a member is recognized to speak are included in the resolution. HR1005 also outlines options for […]

On this second day of the Regular Session, Governor Asa Hutchinson addressed the General Assembly and outlined his legislative goals for this session. He said he will be asking the General Assembly to affirm the current health emergency order and direct federal COVID-19 relief funds for vaccine distribution. The Governor’s legislative agenda also includes the […]