House Bill 1981 proposed to amend definitions within Arkansas law concerning recreational tramways. The bill aimed to modify the legal definitions of "outdoor recreation operator" and "tramway operator." Specifically, it would have excluded political subdivisions of the state from being classified as either an "outdoor recreation operator" or a "tramway operator" under this particular law.
This resolution formally recognizes the Mills University Studies High School Comets boys' basketball team as the Class 4A state champions. It acknowledges their victory in the 2025 state championship game and their successful season.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 2 (SCR 2) is a resolution that affirms the State of Arkansas's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles. It expresses the belief that DEI is essential for all individuals to achieve the American Dream and encourages policymakers, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations to adopt and uphold these principles.
Senate Bill 373, as amended, aimed to revise the structure and composition of the Arkansas Financial Education Commission. The bill specified new requirements for certain appointments to the commission. Specifically, it mandated that among three members appointed by the Treasurer of State, one must be female and one a racial minority. It also added a new position for one member to be designated by the Secretary of State.
Senate Bill 613 sought to establish a specific election procedure for registered voters to decide whether their public water system should fluoridate its water. This process would apply to public water systems serving at least 5,000 people. To initiate such an election, a petition signed by 38% of the registered voters supplied by the affected public water system was required. The bill detailed procedures for filing and verifying these petitions, outlined responsibilities for election officials, and set requirements for paid canvassers and how voters must sign petitions.
SJR 13 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow candidates for Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Judge, Circuit Judge, and District Judge to declare their political party affiliation or independent status. If approved, this status could then be displayed on the election ballot. The amendment also grants the General Assembly the authority to enact laws detailing the election procedures for these judicial offices, including how candidates qualify and appear on primary and general election ballots. This change would affect how judicial candidates are identified to voters.
Senate Bill 641 allows county sheriffs to elect to house certain inmates committed to the Department of Corrections (DOC) in county jails, rather than immediately transferring them to state facilities. This option applies to eligible inmates who are within 12 months of their earliest potential release date and are not convicted of felonies ineligible for earned release credits. If a sheriff chooses this option, they must obtain the inmate's consent, notify victims and prosecutors, and provide programming, healthcare, and supervised work opportunities. The DOC is responsible for reimbursing counties for housing and medical expenses and providing training and digital programming resources.
Senate Bill 57 (SB 57) proposed to amend the income tax credit available to Arkansas taxpayers for individual political contributions. The bill sought to increase the maximum credit amount that individuals could claim on their state income tax returns. Specifically, it would have raised the maximum credit from $50 to $100 for individual tax filers and from $100 to $200 for those filing joint returns. These changes were intended to apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.
Senate Bill 95 (SB 95) proposed amendments to the Arkansas Athletic Trainers Act, primarily by clarifying and expanding the definition of "athlete." The bill broadens the term "athlete" to include individuals participating in activities related to recreation, sport, exercise, or tactical duty, in addition to organized athletic or team activities. It also introduces a new definition for "tactical duty," specifying it includes activities associated with law enforcement, military, or rescue services. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of "direct supervision" for athletic trainers in a clinical setting by a supervising physical therapist or physician.
Senate Bill 330 proposed to update the contents of the written driver's license test and the driver's instruction manual in Arkansas. The bill would have required that information about hand signals used by bicycle operators for turning, slowing, and stopping be added to both of these materials. This change would affect individuals preparing to take the written examination for a driver's license in the state.
SB 459 is a legislative bill titled "TO AMEND THE MINIMUM AGE NECESSARY TO ADJUDICATE A JUVENILE DELINQUENT." This bill proposes to change the lowest age at which a young person can be legally declared a juvenile delinquent. The aim is to modify the existing minimum age requirement within the juvenile justice system. The provided text, however, does not specify the current age or the new age proposed by the bill.
Senate Bill 556 aims to protect public drinking water sources in Arkansas. It proposes to prohibit any person or entity from discharging wastewater via surface discharge into a watershed that supplies public drinking water, specifically upstream of where public water systems draw water. This prohibition does not apply to stormwater discharges permitted under federal or state programs. The Division of Environmental Quality would be responsible for enforcing these new restrictions.
