Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a series of bills into law on Thursday, March 20, 2025, covering a broad range of issues, including public safety, healthcare, education, and economic development.
Among the newly signed legislation is SB328, which strengthens laws related to computer crimes against minors, and SB393, also known as “Maighen’s Law,” which amends the state’s sex offender registration laws. Additionally, HB1609 increases penalties for human trafficking by introducing enhanced sentencing for those who recruit victims from specific locations.
In the healthcare sector, HB1583 mandates coverage for acquired brain injuries, while HB1586 clarifies professional qualifications for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder under Medicaid. HB1610 amends the Arkansas Human Life Protection Act and the Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act by modifying the definition of “medical emergency.”
Education-focused legislation includes HB1398, which requires schools to implement a cardiac emergency response plan, and HB1451, which updates the Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Scholarship Program. HB1689 ensures that public high schools and state-supported colleges provide access to military recruiters.
On the economic front, HB1517 establishes the Earned Wage Access Services Act, while SB270 adjusts the filing periods for certain nonpartisan school board and municipal candidates. SB307, titled the “Generating Arkansas Jobs Act of 2025,” is aimed at boosting job growth in the state.
Other notable bills include HB1563, which adds new felony offenses to the state’s restricted release list, and HB1579, which changes reassessment policies for incarcerated sex offenders. HB1169 expands involuntary commitment criteria to include individuals experiencing a mental health crisis due to medical conditions.
The signing of these bills reflects the state’s legislative priorities, ranging from criminal justice reform to healthcare access and economic policy. The newly enacted laws will take effect on various dates as outlined in their respective provisions.