SB 265 reduces the size of two licensing committees: one for wastewater and one for solid waste. It modifies committee membership rules and updates requirements for apprenticeship licenses in solid waste licensing. This bill directly affects the committees that oversee these licenses and individuals seeking to work in solid waste management through apprenticeship programs. The changes became law as Act 294 on March 12, 2025.
SB 119 establishes Arkansas' participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, an agreement between states to streamline medical licensing. It directly affects licensed physicians and surgeons who provide care across state lines, such as through telemedicine or in border communities. The bill creates a system where Arkansas would recognize licenses from other participating states and vice versa, reducing the need for separate state-specific applications. This eliminates administrative barriers for healthcare providers seeking to practice in multiple states. The bill became law as Act 269 on March 12, 2025.
SB 292 amends Arkansas law to adjust the date of annual school elections when they fall on a state holiday. It requires school districts to move elections scheduled on a state holiday to the third Tuesday of the month, rather than the second Tuesday as previously specified. This change directly affects all Arkansas public school districts holding annual elections in even-numbered years (aligned with state primaries/general elections) or odd-numbered years (November or May). The bill declares an emergency, stating that avoiding holidays ensures broader voter participation and fairer election results.
HCR 1006 extends Arkansas' 95th General Assembly's regular session until 12:00 noon on May 5, 2025, after a scheduled recess ending April 16, 2025. It allows the legislature to reconvene before May 5 to address gubernatorial vetoes, correct errors, complete constitutional amendment work, or adjourn early. The resolution is procedural, affecting only the legislature's schedule, not public policy. It automatically ends the session on May 5 if not reconvened or adjourned earlier.
HB 1514 updates Arkansas' definition of "critical-need employee" under the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act. It expands the list of state agencies requiring 24/7, 7-day staffing to include the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Military, adding these to the existing seven agencies. This change directly affects state employees in designated positions at these nine agencies who must be available around the clock. The bill, now Act 253 after passing both legislative chambers and reaching the Governor, modifies eligibility for specific leave and attendance policies without altering the core policy structure.
SB 226 amends Arkansas' Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act to require school district coaches and similar staff (athletics coaches, teacher coaches, volunteers) to maintain current CPR/AED certification from recognized organizations like the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, in addition to completing every three years a training program on sudden cardiac arrest conditions. The law directly affects school coaches and staff in Arkansas public schools, mandating this certification as part of their professional development requirements. It also allows training programs to include guidance for coaches to educate parents about sports safety. The bill, now Act 247, focuses on strengthening cardiac emergency preparedness in school athletic settings through concrete certification and training standards.
SB 26 allocates $16.5 million in state funds and $12 million in federal funds for Arkansas' Division of Aeronautics during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It covers salaries for six staff positions (including the Director and engineers), operational costs, and $15 million specifically for airport grants to cities and counties. The bill does not create new policies but authorizes spending within existing budget frameworks for airport infrastructure and operations. It directly affects the Division of Aeronautics staff and Arkansas airports receiving grant funding. The bill was enacted as Act 257 on March 6, 2025.
HB 1194 directs the placement of a commemorative monument on Arkansas' state Capitol grounds to recognize and appreciate the integration of Hoxie Public Schools in 1957. This procedural bill does not create new policies or affect specific groups; it solely authorizes a physical monument to honor this historical event. The bill passed and became Act 251 in March 2025, with no additional funding or requirements specified.
HB 1507 (now Act 252) clarifies exemptions for state investments that would otherwise face divestment under Arkansas law. It specifies that investments locked into maturity dates with early withdrawal penalties causing financial harm to the state or public entities are exempt from divestment requirements. This amendment (Arkansas Code § 25-1-1007) ensures state fiduciary duties are met while avoiding unnecessary financial penalties. The bill directly affects state pension funds and public investment managers handling assets subject to divestment rules. It does not alter environmental or social justice standards but refines existing divestment procedures.
HB 1447 exempts septic system installers licensed under Arkansas' Sewage Disposal Systems Act from needing a separate plumber's license. This directly affects licensed septic installers by removing a redundant licensing requirement. The bill eliminates overlapping regulations without changing other licensing standards or creating new obligations. It became Act 255 on March 6, 2025.
HB 1166, now Act 245, clarifies who in schools may administer epinephrine for severe allergic reactions. It expands authorization beyond physicians to include advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants. This directly affects school staff, such as nurses or designated personnel, who may need to use epinephrine during emergencies. The law ensures more qualified individuals can respond quickly to allergic reactions in elementary and secondary schools.
SB 245 appropriates nearly $100 million from the Development and Enhancement Fund to Arkansas public universities for capital improvements. It directly affects Arkansas State University, Arkansas Tech University, Henderson State University, Southern Arkansas University, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the University of Arkansas. Key provisions include funding for new facilities (like Arkansas State's College of Veterinary Medicine), building renovations (e.g., Henderson State's Wells Gym), critical maintenance, deferred maintenance, and equipment upgrades across all institutions. The bill specifies exact dollar amounts for each project type and institution, with no policy changes beyond the funding allocation.
