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 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 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.
