HB 1194 directs the placement of a commemorative monument on Arkansas' state Capitol grounds to recognize and appreciate the integration of Hoxie Public Schools in 1957. This procedural bill does not create new policies or affect specific groups; it solely authorizes a physical monument to honor this historical event. The bill passed and became Act 251 in March 2025, with no additional funding or requirements specified.
HB 1507 (now Act 252) clarifies exemptions for state investments that would otherwise face divestment under Arkansas law. It specifies that investments locked into maturity dates with early withdrawal penalties causing financial harm to the state or public entities are exempt from divestment requirements. This amendment (Arkansas Code § 25-1-1007) ensures state fiduciary duties are met while avoiding unnecessary financial penalties. The bill directly affects state pension funds and public investment managers handling assets subject to divestment rules. It does not alter environmental or social justice standards but refines existing divestment procedures.
HB 1447 exempts septic system installers licensed under Arkansas' Sewage Disposal Systems Act from needing a separate plumber's license. This directly affects licensed septic installers by removing a redundant licensing requirement. The bill eliminates overlapping regulations without changing other licensing standards or creating new obligations. It became Act 255 on March 6, 2025.
HB 1166, now Act 245, clarifies who in schools may administer epinephrine for severe allergic reactions. It expands authorization beyond physicians to include advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants. This directly affects school staff, such as nurses or designated personnel, who may need to use epinephrine during emergencies. The law ensures more qualified individuals can respond quickly to allergic reactions in elementary and secondary schools.
SB 245 appropriates nearly $100 million from the Development and Enhancement Fund to Arkansas public universities for capital improvements. It directly affects Arkansas State University, Arkansas Tech University, Henderson State University, Southern Arkansas University, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the University of Arkansas. Key provisions include funding for new facilities (like Arkansas State's College of Veterinary Medicine), building renovations (e.g., Henderson State's Wells Gym), critical maintenance, deferred maintenance, and equipment upgrades across all institutions. The bill specifies exact dollar amounts for each project type and institution, with no policy changes beyond the funding allocation.
HB 1326 modifies existing retirement incentive laws (sections 24-7-101 and 24-7-102) for employees at Arkansas institutions of higher education, specifically managing "early retirement window incentives." It directly affects tenured faculty and staff at public universities and colleges who may be eligible for retirement benefits. The bill includes an emergency clause requiring urgent contract negotiations over retirement plans before the spring 2025 semester ends, allowing the law to take effect immediately upon governor approval or after the veto period. This aims to resolve pending retirement-related contracts ahead of the academic calendar.
SB 253 amends Arkansas law to clarify that a "manufactured home unit" must be a structure designed to be moved on highways when attached to a vehicle. This change directly affects manufacturers, sellers, and local governments that enforce housing regulations for these homes. The key provision adds the requirement that the home must be capable of being transported on roads as part of its definition, ensuring consistency in how these homes are classified under state law. The bill was enacted as Act 256 on March 6, 2025.
HB 1007, now Act 248, provides legal immunity to certain individuals involved in shooting sports events, shielding them from liability claims for injuries that occur during these events. It directly affects event organizers, participants, and staff by limiting their legal responsibility for accidental injuries sustained at such events. The key mechanism is the immunity provision, which would prevent lawsuits from being filed against these individuals for injuries related to the event. The bill was enacted into law in Arkansas on March 6, 2025.
SB 48 (now Act 246) requires insurance companies in Arkansas to clearly state the actual dollar amount of deductibles - rather than just a percentage - on policy declarations for owner-occupied residential property insurance. This applies to policies covering non-earthquake losses where deductibles are calculated as a percentage of the home's insured value. The law mandates this disclosure on the policy's declaration page or renewal notice, making it easier for homeowners to understand their out-of-pocket costs. It directly affects homeowners with standard residential insurance policies in Arkansas, excluding earthquake coverage.
Arkansas HB 1449 extends the deadline for candidates for state or district office to file their final campaign finance reports. The bill changes the requirement from submitting final reports within 20 days after an election month to 30 days after the month of the election. This adjustment applies to reports covering contributions and expenditures for primary, runoff, general, and special elections. The change directly affects candidates running for state or district offices by providing additional time to comply with campaign finance disclosure rules.
HB 1413 amends laws governing brine production and the formation of brine production units. The bill changes a mandatory requirement ("shall") to a discretionary one ("may") regarding certain brine operations and clarifies that transferred land must not substantially harm the property rights of other owners within the brine unit. This directly affects brine producers and landowners involved in brine production units by providing more flexibility in operational decisions while protecting neighboring property rights during land transfers. The bill became law as Act 254 on March 6, 2025.
HB 1564 modifies permit requirements for new motor vehicle racing facilities in rural Arkansas, specifically those located more than one mile from incorporated cities. The bill sets a 75-decibel noise limit at property lines, requires $1 million in liability insurance, mandates public hearings with 30-day notice, and establishes quiet hours from 9 PM to 6 AM. It prohibits such facilities within one mile of city boundaries and imposes daily fines of $1,000 for violations. The bill was introduced in February 2025 but was withdrawn by its author on March 5, 2025.
