HB 1518 would make it illegal to create, share, possess, or view AI-generated images that appear real and depict minors in sexually explicit conduct. The bill targets content that is "indistinguishable" from actual child sexual abuse material, defining it as a crime regardless of whether the image was created using real children. Violations would be a Class C felony for first offenses and a Class B felony for repeat offenses. The bill was introduced in February 2025 but was withdrawn by its author in March 2025 and did not become law.
HB 1547 would have amended Arkansas' Water Authority Act to redefine "qualified corporation" to include nonprofit water providers and certain government entities, enabling them to convert to public water authorities. This would allow eligible organizations - such as nonprofits distributing water to the public or government entities managing water systems - to access tax-exempt financing by converting to public entities, potentially lowering water rates. The bill specified requirements for conversion, including board resolutions, service area details, and bylaws. However, the bill was withdrawn by its author on March 17, 2025, and is no longer active.
HB 1299 would prohibit healthcare insurers from seeking repayment (recoupment) for services paid to providers more than one year after the initial payment. This directly affects healthcare providers who receive payments from insurers, as it limits insurers' ability to reclaim funds for alleged errors or overpayments after a one-year window. The bill defines key terms like "fraud," "waste," and "abuse" in healthcare billing but centers on establishing this strict one-year deadline for recoupment actions. The bill was introduced in the 2025 legislative session, passed committee, and was withdrawn by its author on March 17, 2025, before becoming law.
HB 1319, which was withdrawn by its author on March 17, 2025, would have created a state sales tax exemption for disabled veterans, their unremarried spouses, and surviving spouses of disabled veterans in Arkansas. The bill would have allowed these individuals to exclude up to $5,000 annually in sales tax on tangible personal property and certain digital products purchased at physical stores within the state. To claim the exemption, veterans would have needed an identification card from the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, while surviving spouses would have required certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The exemption would not apply to local sales taxes or the compensating use tax.
HB 1165 (withdrawn by author on March 17, 2025) would have prohibited Arkansas Medicaid from paying different reimbursement rates for identical services provided by the same type of healthcare provider (e.g., physicians) in different settings - such as a doctor's office versus a behavioral health agency - when using the same billing codes. The bill aimed to address disparities where providers in behavioral health settings received lower payments for the same services compared to office-based settings, which the bill’s findings stated disadvantaged behavioral health services. It required the Arkansas Department of Human Services to seek federal approvals to implement this uniform payment policy. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but withdrawn before committee action.
HB 1584 requires the Arkansas Medicaid Program to complete independent assessments for beneficiaries seeking home- and community-based services (HCBS) within 30 days of application. This applies to all applicants, including those needing a full assessment or an abbreviated review if previously approved for similar services. The bill mandates the Department of Human Services to implement this timeline and seek necessary federal approvals. Note: The bill was withdrawn by its author on March 17, 2025, and is no longer active.
HB 1748 adopts the Uniform Electronic Legal Materials Act, establishing standards for publishing Arkansas legal materials (including state laws, court decisions, and agency rules) electronically. It requires official publishers - such as the Arkansas Code Revision Commission, Secretary of State, and state courts - to authenticate electronic records to verify they are unaltered and accurate, and to preserve these materials securely for permanent public access. Authenticated electronic legal materials are presumed to be reliable copies, reducing reliance on physical documents in legal contexts. The act aligns Arkansas with similar laws adopted by other states and modifies certain federal electronic signature provisions.
HB 1064 would have expanded absentee voting eligibility in Arkansas to include all voters aged 65 or older on election day, adding them as a qualifying category under existing absentee voting rules. Key provisions include allowing seniors to submit a single absentee application valid for one calendar year (instead of per election) and requiring county clerks to automatically mail ballots 25 days before each election during that year. The bill specifically updated application forms and voter statements to include "over sixty-five years of age" as a valid reason for absentee voting. This legislation was filed in December 2024 but withdrawn by its author in March 2025, meaning it did not become law.
HB 1599 would have amended Arkansas law to exempt motor vehicles leased for at least 12 months by institutions of public charity (such as hospitals or shelters) from property taxation. This change would have expanded existing tax exemptions for these institutions' buildings, land, and other assets to include qualifying leased vehicles. The bill, filed in February 2025, was scheduled to take effect for property tax assessments starting January 1, 2026. However, the bill was withdrawn by its author on March 11, 2025, and did not become law.
HB 1082 would create Arkansas' first law specifically protecting children and teens' online privacy. It directly affects websites, apps, and online services that target minors or knowingly collect their personal information. The bill prohibits these operators from sharing children's data with third parties for targeted advertising to minors and requires them to disclose how they collect, use, and share personal data. Key provisions include banning the use of children's personal information for targeted ads and mandating clear privacy disclosures about data practices to parents or guardians.
HB 1083, the Arkansas Kids Online Safety Act, defines "covered internet services" to protect minors online by excluding certain platforms from its scope. The bill exempts services that solely route internet traffic and interactive gaming platforms complying with federal children's privacy laws (COPPA) as of January 1, 2025. It directly affects internet service providers and digital platforms operating in Arkansas, requiring them to adhere to the defined safety framework for minors. Key provisions clarify which services fall under the law, focusing on protecting children while excluding specific exempted technologies. The bill was withdrawn by its author on March 11, 2025, before final passage.
HB 1564 modifies permit requirements for new motor vehicle racing facilities in rural Arkansas, specifically those located more than one mile from incorporated cities. The bill sets a 75-decibel noise limit at property lines, requires $1 million in liability insurance, mandates public hearings with 30-day notice, and establishes quiet hours from 9 PM to 6 AM. It prohibits such facilities within one mile of city boundaries and imposes daily fines of $1,000 for violations. The bill was introduced in February 2025 but was withdrawn by its author on March 5, 2025.
