HB 1574 requires paid canvassers working on statewide initiative petitions or referendums in Arkansas to be both residents of the state and domiciled in Arkansas. The law defines domicile as "actual residence plus the intent to remain" in the state, based on a 2000 Arkansas Supreme Court ruling. This applies specifically to canvassers collecting signatures for statewide ballot measures, not local elections. The bill amends Arkansas Code § 7-9-103(a) to add this requirement and clarifies that individuals may have only one domicile. The law became effective as Act 453 on April 3, 2025.
HB 1591 combines Arkansas County's treasurer and tax collector positions into a single office effective January 1, 2027. Voters in Arkansas County will elect one person to serve both roles in the 2026 general election, with the winner taking office on the effective date. The bill maintains existing requirements for the officeholder to provide a bond, receive compensation set by the county Quorum Court within state-prescribed limits, and hire deputies. This change directly affects Arkansas County residents by streamlining county financial administration under one elected official.
HB 1257 removes a restriction preventing psychologists from employing technicians to perform neuropsychology services. It changes reimbursement rules so psychologists, not technicians, receive payment for services provided by these technicians. The bill directly affects psychologists and their psychology technicians in Arkansas by allowing technicians to support neuropsychology work under a psychologist’s supervision. This policy change streamlines employment and billing for these roles without altering licensing requirements.
HB 1254 allows licensed psychologists (psychological practitioners) to practice independently in Arkansas without supervision. It removes the existing independent practice rights previously held by psychological examiners. The bill changes licensing regulations to distinguish between these two professional groups, granting full independent practice authority to psychologists while restricting psychological examiners to supervised roles. The bill passed the legislature and became Act 433 in April 2025.
HB 1167 modifies signature authority for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs), allowing them to sign certain medical documents that previously required a physician's signature. It also clarifies that durable medical equipment (DME) covers diabetic shoes and shoe inserts, ensuring these items are included in insurance coverage. The bill directly affects healthcare providers (APRNs, PAs) and diabetic patients who rely on covered DME. These changes streamline care coordination and improve access to essential foot care equipment. The bill became law as Act 431 on April 3, 2025.
HB 1509, now Act 452, creates the "Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act" to prohibit financial institutions from discriminating against individuals exercising Second Amendment rights. The law specifically bans institutions from restricting or terminating accounts based on firearm ownership or purchases, but only applies to transactions exceeding $10,000. This directly affects banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions, requiring them to avoid discriminatory practices tied to gun-related activities. The bill's key provision sets a clear monetary threshold ($10,000) for when these protections apply to financial transactions.
HB 1327 modifies eligibility rules for retired state and public school employees seeking coverage under Arkansas' State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program. It requires retirees to have participated in the program for at least five cumulative years before retirement to enroll, and specifies qualifying retirement systems (like the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System). The bill adds a 30-day window for active retirees to elect coverage after retirement or if they lose other health insurance due to a qualifying event (like job loss), with provisions for reinstatement under specific conditions. It also creates an "inactive retiree" category for those with 10+ years of service who separate due to fixed-term employment expiration, allowing a 31-day election period to continue coverage.
HB 1597 updates Arkansas law to clarify which officials can administer oaths of office for elected and appointed public officials. It specifies that municipal officers (like city council members) must take oaths before designated judges, county clerks, or other authorized personnel, while state officials (such as the Governor and Supreme Court justices) have defined options including state court judges or clerks. The bill directly affects all local and state officials required to take oaths upon assuming office. It modifies existing code sections to provide precise, accessible pathways for oath administration without changing substantive policy. This is a procedural update focused on streamlining the swearing-in process.
HR 1092 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing the Bryant High School Hornets boys' basketball team as the Class 6A state champions for 2025. It directly affects the team, their coach, and school staff by formally honoring their championship victory in a non-binding resolution. The bill contains no new policy provisions or funding; it simply expresses legislative recognition of the team's achievement and includes a provision to present a copy of the resolution to the head coach. This is a procedural resolution with no legal effect beyond symbolic acknowledgment.
This bill is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the City of Cabot for receiving two 2024 awards from Arkansas Business magazine. It specifically acknowledges Cabot as a "Trendsetter City" for its broadband initiative (a citywide fiber optic network) and an honorable mention in the Tourism Development category for Gametime at the Grounds, an indoor sports complex. The resolution formally honors these awards without creating new laws or funding. It serves as a symbolic gesture of legislative appreciation for Cabot's community development efforts.
HR 1050 is a ceremonial House Resolution recognizing Open Avenues, a Northwest Arkansas organization serving people with disabilities for 50 years. It honors their work providing employment training, job placement, daily living skills programs, and transportation services to over 100 daily participants. The resolution does not create new laws or funding; it solely expresses legislative appreciation for their community impact. This is a symbolic gesture passed unanimously by the Arkansas House of Representatives on April 2, 2025.
This House Resolution (HR 1059) formally commends the Maumelle Charter High School Falcons boys' cross country team for winning the 2024 Class 3A State Championship. The resolution recognizes their victory with a team score of 56, three top-ten individual finishes, four All-State honorees, and specific athlete placements, and directs that a copy be presented to their head coach, Dalton Diles. As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact beyond ceremonial recognition.
