The House completed its second week of the 2026 Fiscal Session with a focus on both the state budget and a proposal aimed at providing additional property tax relief for Arkansans. In a 92–0 vote, members approved HR1006, a resolution that would allow for the introduction of a non-appropriation bill to increase the homestead property [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Arkansans are no strangers to winter weather, but the recent storm served as a strong reminder of how quickly hazardous conditions can disrupt daily life across our state. Ice-covered roads, lingering snow, and sustained freezing temperatures impacted families, businesses, schools, and essential services. State and local officials worked around the clock to keep communities safe, [...]
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 [...]