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 Resolution 48 is a procedural bill adopted by the Arkansas Senate to formally recognize Paralympic medalist Olivia Chambers of Little Rock. It acknowledges her remarkable athletic achievements, including her gold and silver medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games, and the renown she brings to the state of Arkansas.
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.
SB 144 aims to address the backlog of inmates awaiting transfer to the Division of Correction. The bill allows the Board of Corrections to partner with specific counties to fund, construct, expand, or improve facilities to house these inmates. These partnerships are intended for the eight counties contributing the most inmates to the state system, or their adjoining counties, with local approval. Additionally, the bill mandates the establishment of a diagnostic intake facility for new adult inmates in one of four designated counties: Washington, Benton, Crawford, or Sebastian.
Senate Resolution 13 (SR 13) is a commemorative resolution that officially recognizes and congratulates the Bryant Hornets football team for winning the Class 7A state championship. Upon adoption by the Senate, a copy of the resolution is provided to Head Coach Quad Sanders.
Senate Bill 399, known as the "Anti-ATF Commandeering Act," aims to prevent the State of Arkansas, its political subdivisions, and public employees from assisting in the enforcement of federal firearms laws. It prohibits the provision of "material aid and support" for federal firearms law enforcement and forbids state elected officials or public employees from knowingly enforcing such laws or referring violations to the U.S. Government. Public employees who refer violations face termination, and individuals subjected to a violation can seek civil remedies, including a $50,000 award per violation. The bill clarifies that it does not prevent the enforcement of state firearms laws or the use of federal information to enforce state laws.
Senate Resolution 1 (SR 1) honors St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro for being the first medical facility in Arkansas to open a Maternal Life360 Home. This program supports women with high-risk pregnancies who are enrolled in the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Program and traditional Medicaid through home-visit services and by addressing related social needs.
