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 Resolution 49 honors Arkansas sculptor Kevin Kresse for creating the bronze statue of music icon Johnny Cash. This statue now represents Arkansas in the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol.
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 Resolution 4 welcomes Lieutenant General (Retired) Jay B. Silveria as the new President of the University of Arkansas System, effective January 15, 2025. This resolution from the Arkansas Senate congratulates him on his appointment and acknowledges his extensive background in military leadership and higher education administration.
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.
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.
