This week, the Arkansas House of Representatives passed several significant pieces of legislation focused on maternal health, breast cancer treatment, and state employee compensation. HB1004 aims to extend Medicaid coverage to postpartum mothers for one year after childbirth, while HB1826 ensures that insurance covers births at licensed birthing centers, helping to expand access to care [...]
The Arkansas House of Representatives had a busy Wednesday, passing a series of bills that impact everything from employee pay and consumer protections to crime penalties and vehicle modifications. Among the bills passed was SB392, which adjusts the classification and compensation of state employees to ensure their salaries align with labor market rates. HB1820 was [...]
On Tuesday, the Arkansas House of Representatives passed several bills addressing a range of issues, from education and healthcare to taxation and public safety. Among the measures approved was HB1594, which aims to create a Farmer Sales Tax Identification Card. This initiative directs the secretary to provide eligible farmers with the card, helping retailers properly [...]
On Monday, the House of Representatives passed several bills addressing a variety of issues. HB1296 ensures that healthcare insurers apply the same cost-sharing requirements for services provided in mobile units as they would in other settings. HB1333 mandates coverage for breastfeeding and lactation consultant services, while HB1290 requires insurers to cover mental health wellness examinations. [...]
As the 2025 Regular Session of the Arkansas General Assembly enters its 11th week, the House has been advancing legislation designed to address infrastructure, election processes, and public health. Improving Water and Sewer Infrastructure One of the bills to pass this week was HB1681, which establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program. This [...]
On Thursday, the House approved HB1681, a bill that aims to establish the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program. The program would create a $50 million matching grant system to improve water and sewer infrastructure. Of this, 80% of the funding will be allocated to "shovel-ready" projects, while the remaining 20% is reserved for [...]
On Wednesday, the House passed several bills. HB1293 increases the payment for claims from $150,000 to $250,000 for designated beneficiaries of certain public employees killed in the line of duty. HB1734 allows nurse practitioners to sign death certificates and pronounce the death of a patient. HB1705 requires information about how the religious and moral beliefs [...]
On Tuesday, the House passed several pieces of legislation. One of the bills, HB1509, seeks to establish the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act. Another bill, HB1604, prohibits state agencies from using public funds to purchase promotional items made in China. HB1637 would require the Department of Finance and Administration to provide a concise fiscal impact [...]
On Monday, the House passed a series of bills covering a range of issues, including election laws, education, and public safety. HB1574 requires paid canvassers for statewide initiative or referendum petitions to be residents of Arkansas. HB1714 clarifies the definition of a paid canvasser. HB1693 directs the State Board of Election Commissioners to establish rules [...]
In a move to reform Arkansas' higher education system, the House recently passed HB1512, which lays the groundwork for the creation of the Arkansas ACCESS Act. This bill is designed to address critical issues surrounding access to education, affordability, and student success across the state, with its principles encapsulated in the acronym ACCESS—Acceleration, Common Sense, [...]