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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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

With a vote of 91-0, the House passed a bill titled the Teacher Salary Enhancement Act.  HB1145 brings the minimum starting teacher salary from $31,800 to $36,000 over the next 4 years. The bill includes the entire salary schedule.  We’ve posted it on our website www.arkansashouse.org.Currently, there are 168 schools in the state paying the […]

In a vote of 95-0, the full House voted in favor of HB1296.  This prohibits and occupational licensing board from revoking licenses specifically for a defaulted or delinquent student loan. The House Insurance and Commerce Committee advanced SB113.  This would transfer the responsibilities and duties of the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace to the Arkansas Insurance […]

The House Education Committee advanced several bills including HB1145, the Teacher Salary Enhancement Act.  This bill raises the minimum teacher salary by $4,000 over the next 4 years.   The House Revenue and Taxation Committee advanced HB1321. This bill increases the Homestead Property Tax Credit from $350 to $375 a year.   The House Public Health, Welfare […]

More than 600 bills have been filed and several bills are now making their way to the Governor’s desk as we enter the 4th week of the 2019 Regular Session. In a vote of 70-18, with one member voting present, the House passed SB17. This reduces the fees for a concealed carry permit. This Senate […]