HB 1140 aimed to define which healthcare providers are responsible for delivering concussion education to student athletes in schools. The bill sought to clarify that specific medical professionals (like physicians or certified nurse practitioners) must provide this education, directly affecting student athletes, school staff, and healthcare providers. However, the bill was withdrawn by its author on March 18, 2025, before becoming law, so it did not implement any policy changes. As a definition-focused bill, it did not establish new requirements or funding but was intended to standardize who qualifies for this educational role.
HB 1462 authorizes public water providers in Arkansas to use utility rate revenue and issue bonds to replace lead and certain galvanized customer service lines serving homes and businesses. The bill specifies that water providers must obtain property owner consent before replacing lines on private property and clarifies they won’t assume ownership or maintenance responsibilities for replaced lines unless agreed otherwise. It directly affects water utilities and their customers, enabling them to fund these health-related infrastructure upgrades using existing public finance mechanisms. The bill was introduced on February 12, 2025, but was withdrawn by its author on March 18, 2025.
HB 1051 amends Arkansas public school start date requirements by adding an emergency clause to require schools to establish annual calendars earlier. The bill states that timely calendar decisions are vital for teacher/administrator contracts and school operations, declaring an immediate need to clarify statutory requirements. It would have allowed the law to take effect upon governor approval or veto override, bypassing standard implementation timelines. Note: The bill was withdrawn by its author on March 18, 2025, and did not become law.
HB 1480 proposed to expand the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program by updating the definition of "approved institution of higher education" to include vocational-technical schools, technical institutes, and specific training programs like the Arkansas Fire Training Academy. The bill required vocational-technical schools and technical institutes to be bonded and insured to qualify for the scholarship program. This change would have directly affected students seeking scholarships at these newly included institutions, particularly those pursuing certificate-based training. The bill was withdrawn by its author on March 18, 2025, before moving forward.
HJR 1020 proposed adding a "Victim’s Bill of Rights" to the Arkansas Constitution, granting specific protections for victims of violent and sexual crimes. If approved by voters, it would guarantee rights such as being informed about court proceedings, refusing disclosure of personal information (like home addresses), being heard at key stages (plea negotiations, sentencing), and receiving restitution payments before court fines. The amendment was withdrawn by its authors on March 18, 2025, and is no longer active. It would have directly affected individuals harmed by violent or sexual offenses, their legal representatives, and surviving family members in specified circumstances.
HB 1518 would make it illegal to create, share, possess, or view AI-generated images that appear real and depict minors in sexually explicit conduct. The bill targets content that is "indistinguishable" from actual child sexual abuse material, defining it as a crime regardless of whether the image was created using real children. Violations would be a Class C felony for first offenses and a Class B felony for repeat offenses. The bill was introduced in February 2025 but was withdrawn by its author in March 2025 and did not become law.
This is a non-binding House resolution (HR 1057), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes the American Association of University Women, Central Arkansas Branch, for its work advancing gender equity through research, education, and advocacy since 1922. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or entities - it simply expresses the Arkansas House's acknowledgment of the organization's contributions. No funding, regulations, or new requirements are created.
This is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives. It formally recognizes March 2025 as "American Red Cross Month" and expresses support for the organization's humanitarian work. The resolution highlights the Red Cross's history of disaster relief, blood donations, veteran support, and global aid, but does not create new policies, funding, or obligations. It directly affects no specific group, as it is a ceremonial gesture of appreciation. The measure was adopted unanimously after committee review.
SB 222 aligns Missouri's Medicaid provider marketing rules with federal standards by requiring direct service providers to follow the federal managed care marketing rules (42 C.F.R. § 438.104) as they existed on January 1, 2025. This affects Medicaid providers who market services to enrollees, ensuring their advertising complies with established federal guidelines. The bill mandates that the state department revise its marketing rules to match these federal requirements. The legislation was passed quickly with an emergency clause, becoming law on March 18, 2025.
SCR 4 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing former Arkansas State Representative and Senator Joyce Elliott during Black History Month for her legislative service. It honors her 23-year career in the Arkansas legislature (2000-2023), her focus on education policy, and her founding of the civic engagement nonprofit Get Loud Arkansas. The resolution has no binding effect - it simply acknowledges her contributions through a formal commendation presented to her. This is a procedural recognition, not a policy change, and was approved by both chambers and the Governor in March 2025.
SB 101 establishes the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, allowing physician assistants licensed in Arkansas to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. This directly affects physician assistants seeking to practice across state lines and healthcare facilities in Arkansas and other compact states. The key provision creates a mutual recognition agreement among participating states, streamlining licensure requirements for physician assistants. The bill was enacted as Act 300 on March 18, 2025.
SB 335 appropriates $35 million from the Development and Enhancement Fund to the Arkansas School for the Deaf for capital improvement projects, including facility maintenance, renovation, construction, and repairs. This funding directly affects the Arkansas School for the Deaf, a state-operated institution for deaf students. The bill authorizes the school to use supplemental funds (like grants or donations) alongside state funds to cover project costs, while requiring strict compliance with state fiscal laws. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, to ensure immediate use for essential facility upgrades.
