This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council and the council subcommittees convened at the Capitol.

The council approved the permanent rules for Educational Freedom Accounts. Education Freedom Accounts may be used by eligible families to cover private school tuition, fees, uniforms, and some other required expenses. First-time kindergarteners, students enrolled in “D” or “F” rated schools, students with a disability, current or former foster care students, students experiencing homelessness or students whose parents are active-duty military, veterans or first responders will be eligible to use the accounts in the 2024-2025 school year. All public school students will be eligible in the 2025-2026 school year.

The council also approved an emergency rule from the Department of Finance and Administration that requires Arkansans to list their gender on their driver’s license.  The rule states the gender must match what is listed on the person’s birth certificate, passport, or identification document from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The ALC Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee continued its study on possession and open-carry laws concerning firearms this week. The subcommittee will begin hearing recommendations regarding these laws at its next meeting on Monday, March 25. The meetings are open to the public. You can find the agenda and a link to sign up to comment at www.arkleg.state.ar.us.

The latest revenue report presented to the council shows gross general revenues have decreased by $113 million or 2% below what was collected last year. Meanwhile, unemployment in the state remains steady at 3.7% in Arkansas for the third consecutive month.

As a reminder, the legislature will convene for a Fiscal Session on April 10. We will continue to update you on the latest developments from the Capitol.