This week, several legislative committees met at the State Capitol to continue studying issues that could shape policy during the 2027 Regular Session.
The House and Senate Education Committees continued their ongoing adequacy study, with much of the discussion focused on the health insurance program for public school employees. Consultants told lawmakers that while the fund currently has a surplus, rising healthcare costs are expected to outpace revenue in the coming years. Without additional funding, the program is projected to face a significant deficit in 2027. Legislators will continue to review options to address the shortfall. The committee also approved an interim study to examine the possibility of creating a personal education tax credit program.
The House and Senate Committees on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor also met jointly to review a series of proposed administrative rules affecting healthcare and human services. Members considered updates related to Medicaid policy, billing for continuous glucose monitors, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), personal care services, hospital-based residential treatment for substance use disorder, and revisions to Arkansas’ controlled substances regulations.
The Joint Committee on Energy reviewed the final Arkansas Nuclear Feasibility Study, which was authorized by Act 707 of 2025. The report concluded that developing new nuclear generation in Arkansas is both technically feasible and advisable. The study points to rapidly growing electricity demand, driven by manufacturing, technology, and other expanding industries, and notes that Arkansas has suitable locations for new facilities. It also found that federal support for nuclear energy is stronger than it has been in decades and that only modest changes to state law would be needed if Arkansas chooses to pursue new nuclear generation in the future.
Interim committee meetings like these allow lawmakers to gather information, hear from experts, and prepare legislation well before the General Assembly convenes next year.
