HB 1180, also known as the "Baby Olivia Act," mandates specific video content for human fetal growth and development discussions. These discussions must include a high-definition ultrasound video showing early fetal organ development. Additionally, a video at least three minutes long depicting fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus until birth is required. The bill tasks the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education with approving a list of these videos, specifically mentioning the "Meet Baby Olivia" video. This legislation would affect the content of educational discussions on fetal development and the responsibilities of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Senate Bill 581, titled the "Poultry Integrators Deceptive Trade Practices and Taxpayer Protection Act," aims to regulate business practices between poultry integrators and growers in Arkansas. The bill prohibits integrators from specific deceptive actions, such as failing to disclose material business facts to growers or requiring costly improvements without adequate assurance. If passed, integrators who knowingly violate these provisions could face criminal charges, including a Class B felony, and injured growers would be able to file civil lawsuits for damages and attorney's fees.
Senate Bill 325, as amended, aimed to revise laws concerning parental rights and the Child Maltreatment Central Registry. The bill established procedures allowing the Department of Human Services, an attorney ad litem, or a parent with counsel to file motions to resume services for parents whose parental rights were previously terminated, under specific conditions and waiting periods. It also permitted these parties to petition for the reinstatement of parental rights. Additionally, the bill modified the criteria for inclusion on the Child Maltreatment Central Registry for neglect and created a pathway for removal from the registry if reunification is achieved in neglect cases and other conditions are met.
Senate Bill 204 proposes to exempt certain financial gains from state gross income for tax purposes. This exemption would apply to taxpayers whose property is acquired by a government or entity under the right of eminent domain or the threat of condemnation. Essentially, any profit a property owner makes from such a forced sale would not be considered taxable income under this bill.
SCR 3 is a concurrent resolution urging the Arkansas congressional delegation to propose an amendment to the Federal Unemployment Tax Act. The proposed amendment would waive the "reasonable assurance" clause, which currently prevents hourly nine-month employees of educational institutions from receiving unemployment benefits during the summer months. This change would allow these employees, including bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and paraprofessionals, to be eligible for such benefits.
SB 404 would have required the personal representative of a deceased person's estate to notify the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) when the estate enters probate. This notification would be specifically required if the DFA had previously filed a certificate of indebtedness against the deceased individual. The bill outlined that this notice must include a copy of the petition for probate and the decedent's Social Security number, and specified the correct division within the DFA to receive it. This amendment aimed to ensure the DFA is informed of probate proceedings when it holds a claim against the decedent.
Senate Bill 261 updates the law regarding the operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on certain roads, directly affecting ATV owners and operators. It clarifies that ATVs can be operated on unpaved dirt or gravel roads, including for connecting private property to off-road trails. To do so, operators must hold a valid driver's license (or be an exempt nonresident) and maintain liability insurance with specific minimum coverage. The bill also allows county quorum courts to prohibit ATV operation on unpaved roads within their county through a two-thirds vote.
HB 1283 requires the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to revise its Kindergarten through Grade Twelve (K-12) library media standards. These updated standards must include digital media literacy, covering topics such as the negative effects of social media on mental health, online exploitation, the permanency of online content, digital footprints, and cybersecurity. The division is also tasked with curating age-appropriate resources for parents, educators, and students to support these new standards. Additionally, the bill amends the job duties of library media specialists to include providing instruction in digital media literacy.
Senate Bill 266, as amended, would authorize public schools to adopt a policy for one or more student mentors. This bill allows public schools to accept student mentors, who may include school chaplains. Schools would be required to publish a list of these student mentors, noting any religious affiliation if applicable. This measure provides a framework for public schools to incorporate mentorship roles for the benefit of students.
SB 247, titled the "Arkansas Absentee Voter Integrity Act of 2025," amends laws concerning the processing and counting of absentee ballots in Arkansas. It specifies that outer absentee ballot envelopes can be opened starting the Tuesday before an election, but inner envelopes and ballot counting cannot begin until 8:30 a.m. on election day. The bill requires public notice and access for viewing the absentee ballot processing and outlines new reporting duties for county clerks regarding absentee applications and ballots. It also restricts county clerk access to ballots after outer envelopes are opened, unless specifically authorized by the county board of election commissioners.
Senate Bill 140 aims to mandate the use of biosimilar medicines by health benefit plans and require healthcare providers to prescribe them, intending to improve access for patients. The bill includes an exception for "limited distribution drugs," defined as complex, high-cost, or safety-concern medications restricted by manufacturers to specific pharmacies. For these specific drugs, the mandate for biosimilar use would not apply. Additionally, the bill adjusts timelines for certain actions to occur "within a reasonable amount of time" and specifies that involved pharmacies must be accredited.
Senate Bill 49 proposes to amend the existing law concerning the collection of sales and use tax on purchases of new or used motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, and motorboats. The bill specifically introduces a special rate of tax that would apply to certain used motorboats. This legislation directly affects individuals and businesses involved in the purchase or sale of these types of vehicles and watercraft, particularly those acquiring used motorboats.
