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 [...]
As Arkansans gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, we are reminded that the spirit of independence lives in both our history and our land. From the Ozark trails to the Ouachita River, Arkansas offers some of the most spectacular outdoor experiences in the country. And this year, thanks to legislation passed during the 2025 [...]
This week, the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, and Legislative Affairs met jointly with the Senate Children and Youth Committee to review important reports focused on child safety and well-being in Arkansas. These committees are charged with addressing issues related to children, youth, adoption, custody, and the challenges facing our aging population. Regular [...]
This week, lawmakers continued work to strengthen Arkansas's public institutions, improve access to education, and support our state employees and communities. The Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) approved a new step pay plan for Arkansas State Police officers. At a projected cost of $3.5 million, the step system will provide a more predictable and transparent approach [...]
This week, several members of the Arkansas House of Representatives traded their suits for aprons and served meals, not in the Capitol, but at the annual Serving Up Solutions fundraiser. This event supports the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, and proceeds go directly toward grants for food banks and soup kitchens across the state. It’s just [...]
From reviewing proposed healthcare rules to tracking revenue trends and conducting vital audits, it has been a busy and productive week at the Capitol. The Department of Finance and Administration released the May General Revenue Report, providing an updated view of the state’s financial outlook. The Official General Revenue Forecast, revised on May 21, 2025, [...]
The 2025 Regular Session wrapped up its final week of official business, marking several major legislative achievements. The House adopted two proposed constitutional amendments: SJR15, allowing the General Assembly to establish economic development districts, and SJR11, affirming the fundamental right to keep and bear arms, including the use of ammunition and firearm accessories for lawful [...]