Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed several bills into law, enacting changes across various sectors, including tax policies, healthcare regulations, election procedures, and public service operations.
Among the newly signed legislation, HB1400 provides tax relief for disabled veterans by exempting them from certain penalties when redeeming a tax-delinquent parcel. HB1556 modifies Arkansas Music Appreciation Day by changing the date of its observance. HB1466 and HB1184 amend the Fair Mortgage Lending Act, with the latter specifically addressing consumer privacy protections in mortgage applications.
Several election-related measures were also enacted. SB272 prohibits pre-filled fields on voter registration forms under certain conditions, while SB291 adjusts the deadlines for filing election law violation complaints. SB294 allows the State Board of Election Commissioners to audit a county’s elections in specific circumstances. SB295 provides for the compensation of certified election monitors as an election expense, and SB296 changes the process for designating early voting locations by county clerks.
Healthcare legislation included HB1309, which clarifies cost-sharing requirements for breast cancer examinations, and SB119, which establishes the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact to streamline the licensing process for medical professionals. HB1213 revises the Arkansas Athletic Trainers Act by redefining “athlete” and clarifying healthcare provider responsibilities regarding student-athlete concussion education.
Changes in public policy also include HB1452, which sets restrictions on possessing unsealed medical marijuana containers in motor vehicles, and SB260, which modifies the process for collecting court fines, fees, and costs after default. SB244 allows district courts to suspend certain sentences under specific conditions.
In addition, infrastructure and environmental regulations saw modifications with SB249, which updates penalties related to forestry violations and revises the Arkansas Forestry Commission’s authority, and SB265, which alters licensing requirements for solid waste and wastewater management professionals. SB267 repeals the Arkansas Alternative Motor Fuel Development Act and its associated development fund.
Public employee benefits and retirement policies were also addressed. HB1325 allows Arkansas Public Employees’ Retirement System members to count service from an alternative retirement plan toward eligibility for retirement benefits. HB1379 revises reimbursement policies for state employees’ meals and lodging during official travel.
Funding measures included HB1146, appropriating funds for the Office of the Attorney General for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and HB1175, which allocates funds for personal services and operating expenses for the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. HB1493 provides funding for capital improvement projects at institutions of higher education, and HB1544 supplements state turnback funds for counties and municipalities.
With these new laws in place, Arkansas officials aim to enhance economic policies, election integrity, healthcare access, environmental management, and public infrastructure, ensuring continued improvements for residents across the state.