HB 1445 prohibits local governments in Arkansas from banning or effectively preventing short-term rentals (defined as properties rented for 30 days or less). It allows localities to require a $50 annual registration for such rentals with a 15-day review period, but bans restrictions that block property owners from operating them. Local governments may suspend operations for violations (max 30 days for repeated offenses, 12 months for serious harm), but cannot regulate rental platforms or target specific uses like retail or adult businesses. The bill classifies short-term rentals as residential for zoning purposes and was withdrawn by its author on April 15, 2025.
HB 1573 reorganizes the committee structure of the Arkansas House of Representatives by renaming 10 standing committees (e.g., Education, Public Safety, Health) and adjusting the subject matter areas they cover. It also establishes 10 corresponding subject-matter interim committees with similar focus areas. This procedural bill affects only the internal operations of the House and does not create new public policies or laws.
HMR 1013 is a ceremonial House Memorial Resolution honoring the late Yellville Mayor Shawn Lane, who died on April 4, 2025. The resolution commemorates his 18-year service as Yellville's mayor, his community work (including fire department leadership, city projects like the rail spur and park upgrades), and his 34-year career at Yelcot Communications. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions - only formal recognition of his contributions to Yellville and Arkansas. The resolution was adopted by the Arkansas House of Representatives on April 15, 2025, with a copy to be presented to his family. This is a standard commemorative resolution, not a legislative bill with substantive effects.
HR 1113 is a ceremonial House resolution recognizing the Arkansas State Police's Interstate Criminal Patrol for winning the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Awards. It specifically highlights the team's 2024 achievements, including seizing $32.25 million in narcotics, recovering $4.1 million in cash, and earning individual honors like "Officer of the Year" for Trooper Ana Escamilla and "Largest Cash Seizure" for Corporal Chris Short. The resolution has no binding effect - it does not create new laws or allocate funds - but formally acknowledges the team's work through a symbolic gesture. It was adopted by the Arkansas House of Representatives on April 15, 2025.
This bill is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Ronald McDonald House Charities® for 50 years of service in Arkansas. It honors the organization's work supporting children and families facing health challenges through its local programs, which serve approximately 3,518 children annually across the state. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative appreciation and directs a copy to be presented to the organization's leaders.
This resolution (HR 1118) is a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Arkansas House of Representatives recognizing Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., for its service and leadership. It highlights the fraternity's global presence (over 700 chapters), its founding at Howard University in 1911, its commitment to community service through initiatives like scholarships and donations to organizations such as the United Negro College Fund, and its Arkansas chapters. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it simply expresses formal commendation. It was adopted by the Arkansas House on April 15, 2025, with a copy to be presented to the fraternity's leadership.
HB 1308 would have regulated how residential contractors and tree service companies solicit work, specifically targeting unfair practices in home repair contracts. The bill aimed to protect homeowners by prohibiting deceptive tactics (like falsely claiming licenses or insurance) during solicitation and requiring clear written terms before work begins. It directly affected homeowners entering repair agreements and contractors seeking residential clients. The bill was withdrawn by its author in April 2025 and did not become law.
HB 1674, the HEART Act, would create an income tax credit for Arkansans who donate to qualifying rural hospitals. The credit would cover 100% of donations by individuals and up to 75% of donations by corporations. To qualify, hospitals must be located in rural counties (population under 50,000), participate in Medicaid and Medicare, provide charity care, and meet specific financial and operational criteria. The Department of Health would manage the program, maintain a list of approved hospitals, and require hospitals to use funds for healthcare services in rural communities.
HB 1818, the "Medicaid Provider-Led Care Transparency and Accountability Act," establishes new standards for Arkansas Medicaid risk-based provider organizations. It requires these organizations to create a beneficiary and provider workgroup, pay for care coordination from capitated rates, prohibit "gag clauses" that restrict advocacy, and collect specific quality data for intellectual/developmental disability services. The bill also mandates standardized credentialing, limits audit frequency, and sets timelines for provider documentation. The bill was filed on March 17, 2025, referred to committee, and withdrawn by the author on April 14, 2025.
HB 1997 would exempt licensed childcare family homes from local zoning restrictions that typically prevent them from operating in residential areas across Arkansas. This directly affects childcare providers - especially those in rural communities - who currently face barriers to starting or expanding services due to restrictive zoning rules. The bill requires providers to still comply with health and safety regulations but removes zoning barriers, aiming to increase accessible childcare options. The General Assembly declared an emergency, stating that expanding childcare access is necessary for public health and safety. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment if signed by the governor.
HB 1727 requires adult education charter schools receiving state funding to submit annual reports on student graduation rates and post-graduation employment rates to state education officials and lawmakers. The bill mandates that funding for these schools be reviewed each year based on the data collected through these reports. This amendment, added to the bill on March 19, 2025, focuses on accountability rather than changing funding amounts. The bill was withdrawn by its author on April 14, 2025, and is no longer active.
HB 1816 prohibits Arkansas healthcare providers and insurers from using artificial intelligence in delivering healthcare services or creating medical records without specific approvals. It requires AI systems to first receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and pass verification by an independent quality assurance laboratory for accuracy, safety, and ethics. The bill directly affects hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and any entity providing healthcare services in Arkansas. It does not apply to dental-only plans, workers' compensation, or other excluded coverage types. Note: The bill was introduced on March 17, 2025, but was withdrawn by the author on April 14, 2025, and did not become law.
