Senate Approves "Stand Your Ground" Bill
The Senate passed legislation known as the "Stand Your Ground" bill, which would allow someone to use deadly force to defend themselves against an aggressor.
Legislature Convenes 2021 Regular Session
The 93rd General Assembly convened with a traditional day of swearing in ceremonies for new members, followed by the governor's speech in a joint session of the legislature. Then lawmakers immediately got down to business.
Safety Measures Make the 2021 Legislative Session Historic
When the Arkansas legislature convenes the 2021 regular session, the first major challenge on the agenda will be ensuring that the public can still safely participate in the democratic process.
Arkansas's Citizen Legislature to Convene 2021 Regular Session
When the legislature convenes in regular session at noon on Monday, January 11, the individuals in the Senate will bring a wide variety of real-world experience to the task.
Legislature to Determine Size of Rainy Day Fund
The level of state government spending determines how much of a surplus is left at the end of the fiscal year. One of the legislature's most important decisions is how much of a surplus to accumulate, and what to do with it.
Lottery Scholarships Benefit More Than 30,000 Arkansas Students
Lewisville Youth Services Center to Convert to Drug Treatment Facility
Last week it was reported that another former detention center, at Lewisville, will be converted into a substance abuse treatment facility for teenagers. Judges who hear juvenile cases said that a treatment center was needed, and were glad to have an option besides locking up troubled youths.
Governor Presents Balanced Budget Plan to Legislators
The governor presented a balanced budget proposal to the legislature for next fiscal year. It would authorize about $5.8 billion next year in spending from the state's general revenue fund, about three percent more than this year.
Pandemic Relied Funds Allocated for Rental Assistance
The state is helping people who have trouble paying their rent because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Legislature Helping Child Facilities Cope with Coronavirus Closings
At the beginning of this year, there were more than 2,000 licensed child care programs in Arkansas. They had slots for 194,000 children.
By mid-April, about half the facilities had closed. Although most have been able to re-open, as of early October at least 20 had closed permanently