Community Journalism for the TX·AR·OK·LA Region
In the months leading up to the 2023 Regular Session, several legislators were meeting with mental health providers, medical professionals, and behavioral health stakeholders to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the mental and behavioral health care currently available in the state. This study resulted in several recommendations and as a result, the 94th General […]
In the most recent legislative session, the Arkansas General Assembly made several changes to our laws regarding transportation. The new laws impact everything from distracted driving to getting your car tags. Below is a list of acts signed this year regarding transportation: Act 445 seeks to strengthen our laws regarding distracted driving. It states if a distracted […]
More than twenty bills passed in the 2023 Regular Session address Arkansas elections. From how an initiative is placed on the ballot to when the polls are open, there are several changes being made due to recent legislation. The following pieces of legislation regarding elections have been signed into law: Act 236 amends the procedure […]
In the final week of the 2023 Regular Session, the House passed a criminal justice reform bill, a tax cut, and a budget that increases spending in education and public safety. The House passed SB549. This bill will reduce the state’s top income tax rate from 4.9% to 4.7%. It also reduces the corporate income […]
When the House reconvenes on Monday, members will likely be entering the last week of the 2023 Regular Session. Currently, the General Assembly is expected to adjourn on April 7. Before members adjourn, they will be addressing education funding, tax cuts, and amending the Revenue Stabilization Act which prioritizes spending for the next fiscal year. […]
When House members return from the spring break recess, they will begin the process reviewing proposed constitutional amendments. Those hearings will take place in the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee. Every member who has filed a proposed constitutional amendment will have the opportunity to present his or her proposal during the committee meetings. […]
House members will now be taking an extended recess. When the House reconvenes on March 27, members will be addressing public safety legislation, constitutional amendments, and the budget. In the days leading up to the recess, the House passed a number of bills addressing human trafficking, elections, and employment. Bills passed this week that amend […]
In the 9th week of the 2023 Regular Session, the House passed several bills addressing education, elections, and healthcare. The House also passed a bill to increase the property tax credit for Arkansas families. With a vote of 99-0, the House voted in favor of increasing the homestead property tax credit from $375 a year […]
In the 8th week of the 2023 Regular Session, the House passed SB294. This bill creates the LEARNS Act and outlines several educational reforms. SB294 raises the minimum teacher salary to $50,000 a year and raises current teacher salaries by $2,000. It requires that students be reading at a 3rd-grade level before advancing to the […]
In the 7th week of the 2023 Regular Session, House members voted on a number of bills impacting employment, education, and elections. This week, the House passed HB1430. This bill reduces the maximum potential unemployment compensation benefits from 4 months to 3 months. This bill also reduces unemployment insurance tax rates for employers. The House also […]
