On Tuesday, the House passed HB1775, which establishes a state suicide prevention hotline. There were 571 suicides in Arkansas last year. The state is currently ranks number 10 in the nation in suicide rates.
The House also passed HB1778 which allows the State Plant Board to adopt rules to administer an industrial hemp research program and license individuals to grow industrial hemp. Hemp can be used in textiles, alternative fuel, food and plastics. Hemp does not contain the same concentrations of THC as marijuana.
The House also passed HB2198, which allows the Department of Veteran Affairs to create a data collection system to locate veterans and military families living in Arkansas. The information would be used to make sure they have access to information and resources available to them.
The House will reconvene on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.