Arkansas Congressional Bills

in committee · Arkansas · Senate Jul 22, 2026

S 5083: Fiscal Sponsorship Transparency Act of 2026

The Fiscal Sponsorship Transparency Act of 2026 requires tax-exempt organizations to publicly disclose details about their fiscal sponsorship arrangements, including the names of involved parties, financial amounts, and the specific activities funded. This new reporting rule applies to organizations that receive donations on behalf of non-exempt entities or specific projects, while explicitly excluding private foundations and donor-advised funds. The legislation also introduces penalties for "improper conduit arrangements," where funds are transferred to non-exempt individuals without the organization maintaining control over how the money is used. Under these provisions, organizations and their managers could face significant taxes if they knowingly facilitate such improper transfers and fail to correct them within the required timeframe. These changes are designed to increase transparency and accountability in charitable giving and will take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Arkansas · House Jul 22, 2026

HR 9827: Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026

The Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026 updates the Clean Air Act to broaden the definition of renewable biomass eligible for carbon credits. It specifically allows materials from forest management, such as slash, storm debris, and wood residuals, to be counted as renewable fuel if they come from sustainably managed lands or public forests designated for fuel reduction. The bill also includes vegetation cleared from defensible space around buildings and from wildfire risk reduction projects in the wildland-urban interface. By clarifying these categories and establishing certification requirements, the legislation aims to increase the supply of biomass available for generating renewable energy credits.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Cliff Bentz (R) · 25 co-sponsors

in committee · Arkansas · Senate Jul 22, 2026

S 4429: Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026

The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and use of connected vehicles and related technology from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea to protect national security. Starting in 2027, the bill generally bans these vehicles if they originate from or are controlled by these countries, with separate restrictions on software and hardware taking effect in 2030. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to issue specific exemptions for items that do not pose a security risk and must publish a list of approved products. The law also requires companies to submit declarations confirming their vehicles comply with the rules and imposes heavy fines for violations.

Topics ✗ Technology ✗ Transportation

Bernie Moreno (R) · 40 co-sponsors

passed · Arkansas · House Jul 22, 2026

HR 6955: Main Street Capital Access Act

The Main Street Capital Access Act reduces regulatory burdens for smaller banks, particularly those with less than $10 billion in assets. Key provisions include a 3-year phase-in period for new banks to meet capital requirements, lower leverage ratio requirements for rural banks (7.5% for the first 2 years), and a 30-day review process for business plan deviations. The bill also establishes an Office of Independent Examination Review, sets specific timelines for examinations (270 days) and reports (90 days), and creates a "least cost exception" for bank resolutions to prevent excessive concentration of the banking system. These changes aim to promote new bank formation, improve regulatory efficiency, and support community banking while maintaining financial stability.

J. French Hill (R) · 33 co-sponsors

in committee · Arkansas · House Jul 22, 2026

HR 6610: Pharmacists Fight Back [in Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans Act]

This bill requires pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) administering prescription drug benefits for federal employee health plans to reimburse pharmacies at specific rates, including the national average drug cost plus a small percentage or $50, whichever is lower. It prohibits PBMs from favoring their own pharmacies, restricting patient choice, or reducing pharmacy payments after claims are processed. The bill establishes $10,000 civil penalties for violations, with debarment from federal health plans after 10 penalties in 10 years. This directly affects PBMs, in-network pharmacies, and federal health benefit plans covering millions of federal employees and their families. The law aims to ensure fair reimbursement practices and maintain pharmacy choice under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Jake Auchincloss (D) · 42 co-sponsors

in committee · Arkansas · Senate Jul 21, 2026

S 5045: Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2026

The Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2026 amends the Clean Air Act to officially recognize prescribed fires and cultural burning as "exceptional events," meaning air quality issues caused by these deliberate, managed burns will no longer be counted as violations of pollution standards. The bill requires the EPA to update its regulations within a year to clarify how these fires are defined and to streamline the process for states to petition for exemptions when wildfires or prescribed fires impact air quality. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new "Smoke Ready Communities" grant program that provides up to 90 percent federal funding to states, tribes, and local entities to help communities prepare for and mitigate wildfire smoke hazards in public buildings like schools.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Arkansas · House Jul 21, 2026

HR 9809: Disabled Access Credit Modernization Act

The Disabled Access Credit Modernization Act updates the tax credit available to small businesses that make their facilities more accessible to people with disabilities. It allows these businesses to claim the credit for a broader range of expenses, including equipment and services that go beyond the minimum requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act or are needed even if the business is not currently subject to those rules. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definitions of disability and reasonable accommodation within the tax code. The legislation also requires the Treasury Department to issue guidance and conduct public outreach to help eligible businesses understand the updated credit, with a report to Congress due two years after enactment. These changes will take effect for expenses incurred after December 31, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Arkansas · Senate Jul 21, 2026

S 3524: American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2025

This bill reauthorizes and modifies the American Battlefield Protection Program through 2035, extending funding deadlines and increasing grant percentages for battlefield preservation. It raises the maximum federal share for battlefield acquisition, interpretation, and restoration grants from 50% to 75% and sets a $2 million annual appropriation for these programs. The bill also mandates new studies to identify, assess, and propose preservation options for sites tied to the French and Indian War (1754-1763) and Mexican-American War (1846-1848), requiring consultation with states, tribes, and preservation groups. The studies must be completed within two years and reported to Congress, focusing on site significance, threats, and potential preservation strategies.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Arkansas · Senate Jul 21, 2026

S 3456: Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act

S 3456, the Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act, creates a free annual pass for eligible law enforcement officers and firefighters to use at national parks and federal recreational lands. The bill directly affects active officers and firefighters employed by federal, state, local, or tribal governments who perform duties related to crime prevention/detection or fire suppression. It amends existing law to require the Secretary to provide these passes at no cost, after verifying eligibility through proof of employment. The key mechanism is expanding the current pass program to specifically include these public safety professionals under defined roles.

in committee · Arkansas · House Jul 21, 2026

HR 6213: Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025

HR 6213, the Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025, prohibits the U.S. Department of Labor from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing OSHA's proposed "Heat Injury and Illness Prevention" standard (published August 30, 2024). This bill directly blocks the specific regulatory proposal targeting heat safety in both outdoor and indoor work settings. It does not create new requirements or affect workers; it solely prevents the implementation of the existing OSHA proposal. The bill is procedural, focusing on halting a regulatory action rather than establishing new policy.

Topics ✗ Environment ✗ Healthcare ✗ Labor & Employment

Mark B. Messmer (R) · 68 co-sponsors

in committee · Arkansas · House Jul 20, 2026

HR 9776: FLOWS Act of 2026

The FLOWS Act of 2026 creates a $50 million grant program to help rural water systems adopt digital technologies that improve efficiency, detect leaks, and protect against cyber threats. These funds are intended for owners of public water systems serving fewer than 3,300 people, with priority given to community-owned organizations and those in greatest need. The grants can cover the design and construction of smart water infrastructure, workforce training, and cybersecurity measures, while also allowing recipients to purchase necessary software. Additionally, the bill requires a five-year study to evaluate how these digital tools impact water loss, system resilience, and project costs in rural areas.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Technology

in committee · Arkansas · House Jul 20, 2026

HR 9624: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 provides funding for the Federal Government's intelligence activities and authorizes specific budget amounts for the Central Intelligence Agency's retirement and disability system. It establishes a classified schedule detailing these financial authorizations, which is shared with congressional appropriations committees and the President but restricted from public disclosure. The legislation also includes a provision allowing for increases in employee compensation and benefits if authorized by law and sets a restriction ensuring that funding does not support intelligence activities not already permitted by the Constitution or existing laws.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes