Community Journalism for the TX·AR·OK·LA Region
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 […]
A proposed noise ordinance in Miller County has some county citizens wanting to make some noise of their own. A planned prayer event will be held on the courthouse lawns at the next Quorum Court Meeting on March 13. An ordinance proposed by the Quorum Court and currently under review would place noise level restrictions […]
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 […]
Texarkana, Arkansas– Join the Texarkana Museums System and the Arkansas Archeological Survey (ARAS) at the P. J. Ahern Home on Saturday, March 4 beginning at 10 a.m. for a special Arkansas Archeology Month 2023 event! Guests will learn about different aspects of archeology and there will be archeologists on hand to help you identify and learn about your own artifacts. All booths will […]
More than 70 bills have been signed into law since the 2023 Regular Session began and several more are now making their way to the Governor’s desk. In the 6th week of the session, the House passed bills addressing mental health access, payment to our county jails, teacher retirement, and voter input on tax measures. […]
On the 5th week of the Regular Session, the House passed legislation addressing substance abuse, teen pregnancy, public assistance, and transportation. The House passed HB1144. This bill creates the Arkansas Family Treatment Specialty Court Act. The bill states that there is a critical need for judicial intervention and support for effective treatment programs to reduce the […]
In the 4th week of the 2023 Regular Session, the House passed bills impacting taxes, healthcare, education, and criminal justice. Tax related bills that passed the House this week included HB1026 and HB1143. HB1026 prohibits local governments from enacting an income tax. HB1143 defines “homestead” for purposes of property tax exemption for disabled veterans, surviving spouses, […]
