Posts tagged “News Release”

On Wednesday, the House Rules Committee advanced HR1006, a resolution that would allow for the introduction of a non-appropriation bill to increase the homestead property tax credit from $600 to $675. During a Fiscal Session, resolutions to consider non-budget legislation must receive a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers before a bill can be filed. […]

The House kicked off week two of the 2026 Fiscal Session on Tuesday. In the Joint Budget Committee, members approved an appropriation of $1 million for contraband interdiction and corrections intelligence technology. The technology is designed to detect and prevent illegal wireless device activity in Department of Corrections facilities. The committee also approved an amendment […]

The 2026 Fiscal Session began Wednesday afternoon with an address from Governor Sanders outlining her budget priorities for the year ahead. The Governor emphasized fully funding the LEARNS Act, along with targeted investments such as the state employee pay plan and the 10:33 Initiative, which is designed to help individuals move from crisis to stable […]

We have now completed our second day of the legislative session, marking the close of our first week. Despite the relatively light agenda, this week has proven to be both productive and successful as we begin this fiscal session. Today, the House passed HB1002, the General Appropriation Act.  By law, this legislation must be the […]

The 2026 Fiscal Session began Wednesday afternoon with an address from Governor Sanders outlining her budget priorities for the year ahead. The Governor emphasized fully funding the LEARNS Act, along with targeted investments such as the state employee pay plan and the 10:33 Initiative, which is designed to help individuals move from crisis to stable […]

As we prepare for the upcoming Fiscal Session, activity is already underway at the Capitol. This week, more than 70 budget bills were filed in the House, marking an important first step in the state’s formal budgeting process. Each bill is filed through the Clerk’s Office, where it is assigned a number and scanned so […]

I was heartbroken to learn of the passing of Rep. Stan Berry. To me, he wasn’t just a colleague—he was a true friend and someone I genuinely enjoyed being around. Stan loved Arkansas, and he loved the people of District 44. You could see that in the way he served and the way he treated […]

The Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) and its subcommittees met this week at the Capitol, continuing their role of overseeing state agencies and reviewing key funding and policy decisions between legislative sessions.   State revenue collections remain strong. Gross General Revenues year-to-date total approximately $5.36 billion—an increase of $89 million, or 1.7%, compared to this time […]

Members of the Arkansas Legislative Council’s Hospital, Medicaid, and Developmental Disabilities Study Subcommittee recently reviewed a report examining how Arkansas can better connect workforce development programs with social services that support families on their path to employment. The findings highlight a clear opportunity. Arkansas employers continue searching for workers while many Arkansans are looking for […]

Legislators spent much of this week at the Capitol participating in Pre-Fiscal Session Budget Hearings, an important step in preparing for the upcoming Fiscal Session of the Arkansas General Assembly. The hearings allow lawmakers to begin reviewing agency budgets, ask questions, and gain a clearer understanding of the state’s financial priorities before the formal budget […]

Arkansas is moving forward with a major investment in rural healthcare through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). In December, the state was awarded $208,779,396 for Fiscal Year 2026 as part of a nationwide, multi-year effort through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to strengthen healthcare access in rural communities. Over the next five […]

Beginning Monday, February 23, the House will start processing applications for media credentials. These credentials will provide members of the press access to designated areas within House committee rooms and the MAC building. Media Credential Policy 2026.pdf Application  FAQ Media Credentials 2026.pdf For questions regarding credentials, contact:  cecillea.pond-mayo@arkansashouse.org