News

House members began the 8th week of the 2023 Regular Session on Monday. The House passed HB1458. This bill creates the Vincent Parks Law. Vince Parks was a Jonesboro police officer who died last summer during law enforcement training. HB1458 would require instructors to complete training on the recognition and management of certain health conditions […]

The House Education Committee has scheduled a Special Order of Business for Tuesday, February 28 at 9 a.m. to hear SB294, to Create the Learns Act. To provide for more space for the public, this committee meeting will be held in room A of the MAC Building. The MAC building is located directly behind the […]

In the 7th week of the 2023 Regular Session, House members voted on a number of bills impacting employment, education, and elections. This week, the House passed HB1430. This bill reduces the maximum potential unemployment compensation benefits from 4 months to 3 months. This bill also reduces unemployment insurance tax rates for employers. The House […]

On Thursday, the House passed HB1349. This bill states that an esports tournament organizer is authorized to conduct a paid esports tournament through one or more websites, local area networks, video gaming platforms, or other similar gaming platforms. It also clarifies that a paid esports tournament does not constitute gambling. The House also passed HB1430. […]

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 […]