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Daily Summary for February 21, 2019

February 21, 2019
On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee advanced several pieces of legislation including HB1437.  This bill requires mandated reporters to notify law enforcement if he or she has a good faith belief that there is a threat to the safety of students or school employees.  This legislation would make the failure to notify a Class A […]
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Daily Summary for February 20, 2019

February 20, 2019
The House State Agencies Committee advanced legislation addressing petitions for constitutional amendments. HB1489 would remove the attorney general’s office from the process of developing ballot titles. It would also make violating rules on signature collection a Class D felony. The State Agencies Committee also advanced HB1492 which allows high school students to volunteer as poll […]
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Daily Summary for February 19, 2019

February 19, 2019
On Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee advanced several pieces of legislation including HB1126 which requires a defendant to physically remain in the courtroom during any victim impact statement.  Exceptions are made if the court determines that the defendant is disruptive or presents a safety threat. The committee also advanced HB1114.  This bill addresses child custody […]
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Daily Summary for February 18, 2019

February 19, 2019
We are now entering the 6th week of the session. On Monday, the House passed HB1403. This bill allows for an additional sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison if certain offenses are committed in the presence of a child.  The offenses include murder, aggravated robbery, felony assault or battery, and rape. The House […]
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Official State Holiday Bulletin

February 15, 2019
The State of Arkansas will observe George Washington’s Birthday and Daisy Gatson Bates Day as an official state holiday on Monday, February 18, 2019.   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. To download a PDF of […]
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Week 5 of 2019 Regular Session

February 15, 2019
More than 140 bills have been signed into law during this session. There are hundreds of bills still to be heard in committee and we expect many more to be filed in the weeks ahead.As we head into our 6th week of the session, we’d like to update you on the legislature’s progress. On Thursday, […]
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Daily Summary for February 14, 2019

February 14, 2019
In a vote of 82-14 with 2 members voting present, the House passed SB211. This bill cuts the top tax rate from 6.9 to 6.6 percent on Jan. 1, 2020. It decreases to 5.9 percent in 2021. In a vote of 93-0, the House passed SB151 which establishes a fund to assist the UAMS Winthrop […]
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Daily Summary for February 13, 2019

February 13, 2019
The House State Agencies Committee advanced HB1402. This bill requires special elections to be held with the preferential primary or the general election. If it is called in a year where the preferential primary or general election is not held, the legislation specifies dates in May or November.The House Insurance and Commerce Committee advanced SB105 […]
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Daily Summary for February 12, 2019

February 12, 2019
The House Revenue and Taxation Committee advanced SB211 this morning. This bill cuts the top tax rate from 6.9 to 6.6 percent on Jan. 1, 2020. It decreases to 5.9 percent in 2021. The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee advanced legislation making changes to the Safe Haven Act.  SB168 adds 24-hour manned fire […]
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Daily Summary for February 11, 2019

February 11, 2019
In a vote of 96-0, the House passed HB1302, An Act to Create the Red Tape Reduction Collective Rulemaking Act of 2019. This bill creates a process by which similar agencies could submit rules and regulations collectively to expedite process.  It would help ensure that agencies needing to respond to new legislation for occupational licensing […]
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Governor Announces Highway Funding Proposal

February 11, 2019
Alongside Speaker Matthew Shepherd and Senate President Pro Tempore Jim Hendren, Governor Asa Hutchinson revealed details of a proposal to fund state highways.  Details of the proposal in the link below: Governor Highway Proposal.pdf
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Week 4 of 2019 Regular Session

February 8, 2019
This week, the House voted overwhelmingly to raise teacher salaries, increase a tax credit, and increase fines for distracted driving in school zones. HB1145, titled the Teacher Salary Enhancement Act, would raise the minimum teacher salary by $4,000 over the next 4 years.  The House voted 91-0 in favor the legislation.  The bill now heads […]