Arkansas Bills

died · Arkansas · Senate May 5, 2025

SB 262: TO AMEND THE CORPORATE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE DOCTRINE; AND TO AUTHORIZE A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WHO OWNS A MEDICAL CORPORATION TO MAINTAIN OWNERSHIP UPON AN INACTIVE LICENSE OR RETIREMENT.

Senate Bill 262 sought to allow a licensed medical professional who owns a medical corporation to maintain that ownership even if their medical license becomes inactive or they retire. This would be permitted provided that all medical services continue to be delivered by currently licensed individuals. Additionally, the owner's license must have been in good standing, free from disciplinary action, suspension, or revocation, at the time it became inactive or was voluntarily surrendered.

in committee · Arkansas · Senate May 5, 2025

SR 27: COMMENDING ARKANSAS FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND FORESTERS FOR THEIR VITAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SECURITY AND ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS AND THE NATION.

Senate Resolution 27 (SR 27) is a commemorative resolution that expresses the Arkansas Senate's sincere appreciation to the state's farmers, ranchers, and foresters. It commends them for their vital contributions to the economic security and well-being of Arkansas and the nation.

in committee · Arkansas · Senate May 5, 2025

SR 43: TO DESIGNATE MARCH 12, 2025, AS STARS OF LIFE DAY AND TO RECOGNIZE THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF CERTAIN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROFESSIONALS.

Senate Resolution 43 designates March 12, 2025, as Stars of Life Day in Arkansas. This resolution recognizes the accomplishments of specific emergency medical services professionals for their vital public service.

died · Arkansas · Senate May 5, 2025

SB 256: TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS CORPORATE FRANCHISE TAX ACT OF 1979; AND TO REDUCE THE MINIMUM FRANCHISE TAX FOR CERTAIN CORPORATIONS.

SB 256 proposed to amend the Arkansas Corporate Franchise Tax Act of 1979. This bill aimed to reduce the minimum annual franchise tax paid by certain corporations operating in Arkansas. It would have lowered the minimum tax from one hundred fifty dollars ($150) to one hundred dollars ($100). If it had passed, these changes would have applied to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

died · Arkansas · Senate May 5, 2025

SB 156: TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CREDITED SERVICE UNDER THE ARKANSAS LOCAL POLICE AND FIRE RETIREMENT SYSTEM.

This bill, SB 156, aimed to amend the existing law concerning credited service for members of the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System. The provided text states its purpose is to make changes to how service is credited within this system, which directly affects local police and firefighters. However, the specific details of these amendments or new provisions are not outlined in the available bill text.

in committee · Arkansas · Senate May 5, 2025

SB 288: TO MODIFY A PHYSICIAN CHANGE UNDER THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW THAT RESULTED FROM INITIATED MEASURE 1948, NO. 4.

Senate Bill 288 modifies the process for injured employees to change physicians under Arkansas's Workers' Compensation Law. It establishes different rules based on whether the employee or employer initially selected the doctor, and distinguishes between general physician changes and changes to specialists or certain practitioners like chiropractors. Before a state-certified managed care system is established, employees may petition for a change with a compelling reason or a one-time change if the employer chose the physician. Once a managed care system is in place, the bill allows employers to select the initial primary care physician, and employees have a one-time option to change to a physician within the managed care network or a pre-existing primary care doctor who agrees to comply with the system's rules.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Arkansas · Senate May 5, 2025

SB 7: TO ALLOW MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO REQUEST A SALES AND USE TAX REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION.

Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) proposed to expand the individuals authorized to request sales and use tax reports from the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). Currently, only chief executive officers of counties, cities, or towns can request these reports. This bill would allow members of the General Assembly to also request a report, no more than quarterly, listing businesses remitting sales and use taxes for a governmental entity they identify. The DFA would be required to provide the requested information within 30 calendar days.

died · Arkansas · Senate May 5, 2025

SB 502: TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING ACT OF 1965; AND TO REQUIRE THE ELECTRONIC FILING OF A FORM 1099 IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Senate Bill 502 amends the Arkansas Income Tax Withholding Act of 1965. This bill requires taxpayers subject to withholding requirements, who are also payers on an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099, to file these forms with the Arkansas Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration. The forms must be submitted by January 31 following the income year they were issued. Furthermore, if a payer files 1,000 or more Form 1099s in an income year, they are required to file them electronically. This act would apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

in committee · Arkansas · Senate May 5, 2025

SR 34: TO SUPPORT THE NOMINATION OF FORMER GOVERNOR OF ARKANSAS MICHAEL DALE "MIKE" HUCKABEE AS UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL.

Senate Resolution 34 expresses the Arkansas Senate's support for the nomination of former Governor Michael Dale "Mike" Huckabee as the United States Ambassador to Israel. It urges President Donald J. Trump, the U.S. Senate, and relevant government agencies to support his swift confirmation.

died · Arkansas · Senate May 5, 2025

SB 235: TO CREATE THE VOLUNTARY PORTABLE BENEFIT ACCOUNT ACT.

Senate Bill 235 creates the Voluntary Portable Benefit Account Act, allowing independent contractors to open special accounts to fund benefit plans like health insurance, life insurance, or retirement. Hiring parties, who contract with independent contractors, may voluntarily contribute to these accounts. Contributions can also be made by withholding funds from an independent contractor's compensation, provided there is a clear, written, and voluntary opt-in agreement that allows the contractor to opt out at any time. A key provision ensures that these contributions cannot be used to determine a worker's employment classification as an independent contractor.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Arkansas · Senate May 5, 2025

SB 362: AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION YOUTH ORGANIZATION GRANTS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

Senate Bill 362 proposes to appropriate funds for the Department of Education's Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide grants to youth organizations for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. An amendment to this bill specifies requirements for youth organizations to receive these grants. To be eligible, organizations must notify the Department of Education of their intent to comply with the act, demonstrate fiscal accountability, and possess a Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State. The amendment also removes a prior restriction related to the age of an organization's charter and requires the Department of Education to report any grant violations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

died · Arkansas · Senate May 5, 2025

SB 582: TO ESTABLISH THE STATE ACTION POULTRY FLOCK DEPOPULATION GRANT PROGRAM.

Senate Bill 582 establishes the State Action Poultry Flock Depopulation Grant Program within the Department of Finance and Administration. This program aims to provide financial assistance to eligible poultry growers across the state. Growers qualify for funds if their poultry flock was depopulated by the state, including any such events that occurred before the bill's effective date. The Department of Finance and Administration is tasked with creating rules for growers to submit documentation of their losses and for the distribution of these grant funds.

Bill results