As the new year approaches, Arkansans will soon see a number of laws passed by the House of Representatives and the General Assembly take effect. While the majority of legislation approved during the 2025 Regular Session became law 90 days after adjournment, many measures included a delayed effective date of January 1, 2026 to give [...]
The Arkansas Legislative Council and ALC subcommittees spent much of the week examining state finances and providing agency oversight. Members began with an update on state revenue, learning that year-to-date gross general revenue collections stand at approximately $3.31 billion. That total is about $58.9 million, or 1.8 percent, higher than collections at the same point [...]
This week at the State Capitol, members of the Arkansas House of Representatives came together for an annual Christmas tradition that reflects the spirit of service at the heart of public office. During a holiday gathering, House members—joined by state senators and employees from across state government—donated gifts for children in Arkansas’s foster care system. [...]
The House and Senate Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development Committees met jointly this week at the Hot Springs Convention Center during the Arkansas Farm Bureau’s annual state convention. Lawmakers received updates on issues shaping the future of agriculture and rural communities across the state. Arkansas State University briefed members on the progress of its College [...]
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are beginning to think about our shopping lists and where we’ll spend our hard-earned money. There’s no better time to support the small businesses that help make Arkansas such a vibrant place to live. This year, Arkansas was ranked the 3rd best state in the nation to [...]
Candidate filing officially wrapped up this week, marking the start of the 2026 election season in Arkansas. Over the past week and a half, candidates from across the state entered races for state and federal offices. It’s an exciting milestone when election talk becomes reality and a good reminder that voters have important deadlines ahead. [...]
As the federal government shutdown continues, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is working to manage its far-reaching effects on programs that support families across the state. During a joint meeting of the House and Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committees, DHS officials provided updates on how the agency is adapting to reduced [...]
As Arkansas families feel the effects of the ongoing federal government shutdown, state leaders are stepping in to make sure no one goes hungry. This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council chairs approved an emergency request from Governor Sanders to direct $500,000 in Restricted Reserve funds to food banks starting Monday, November 3rd. The funds will [...]
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and recommit to improving access to lifesaving care. In Arkansas, breast cancer affects thousands each year. Nearly 2,400 women are diagnosed annually, and more than 400 lose their lives. Our state’s breast cancer mortality rate remains higher than the national [...]
Arkansas lawmakers held a series of committee meetings this week, covering issues ranging from childcare to criminal justice, energy development, and transportation infrastructure. On Tuesday, the House Early Childhood Permanent Subcommittee on Education examined forthcoming changes to the state’s childcare reimbursement system. Officials from the Department of Education, the Arkansas Early Childhood Association, and several [...]