The Arkansas Legislative Council convened this week to review key updates affecting state revenues, public assistance programs, healthcare initiatives, and workforce development. State fiscal officials reported that general revenue continues to remain steady. Arkansas has collected about $2.65 billion in Gross General Revenues so far this fiscal year, slightly above the same point last year [...]
The Arkansas Legislative Council this week adopted a resolution urging federal leaders to take swift action to support Arkansas farmers amid mounting economic challenges. The resolution recognizes agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy and a vital part of America’s food security, noting that many producers are struggling with high interest rates, unpredictable weather, [...]
Lawmakers in Little Rock tackled a wide range of issues this week, from public safety investments to energy policy and the economic strain facing Arkansas farmers. The Arkansas Legislative Council approved the transfer of $131.9 million from restricted reserve funds to help finance the construction of a new State Crime Laboratory in North Little Rock. [...]
This week, several legislative interim committees continued their work examining key issues facing our state. On Tuesday, the Joint Performance Review Committee met to discuss citizen concerns regarding the proposed Franklin County Prison. On Wednesday and Thursday, the House and Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committees held joint meetings in Texarkana. Lawmakers received updates [...]
This week, the House and Senate Education Committees took a deep look at how Arkansas schools are preparing students not just for tests, but for life after graduation. On Tuesday, members reviewed statewide assessment results and updates on the new school accountability system. After two years of consistent testing, Arkansas students are showing steady gains. [...]
This week, members of the ALC Hospital, Medicaid, and Developmental Disabilities Study Subcommittee received a presentation on a new approach that could reshape how Arkansas delivers both workforce and social services. During the 2025 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed Act 145, which directs the subcommittee to examine reforms to the state’s workforce and social [...]
The Arkansas Legislature had a full schedule this week, as the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) and its subcommittees met, as well as the House and Senate City, County, and Local Affairs Committees. The ALC reviewed the recommendations from the Employee Benefits Division for 2026 health insurance rates for state and school employees. Rates will remain [...]
This week, members of the Arkansas House and Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committees received an important update from the director of Arkansas Workforce Connections on potential changes at the federal level that could impact how workforce development programs are administered in our state. Arkansas Workforce Connections, formerly known as the Arkansas Division of [...]
During the 2025 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed several new laws aimed at strengthening election procedures. One significant change comes through Act 978. This act requires county boards of election commissioners to provide early voting in every city with a population over 15,000 if the county clerk is not already doing so. Act 282 [...]
This week at the Capitol, legislative committees continued their interim work, focusing on public health, judicial reform, and corrections oversight. On Monday, the House and Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committees convened to review interim study proposals aimed at improving the health and safety of Arkansans. The committees adopted a proposal to explore requiring [...]