Arkansas – On Monday, April 14, 2025, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a wide range of bills into law, enacting new legislation related to health care coverage, education policy, insurance regulation, law enforcement authority, infrastructure financing, and appropriations for numerous state agencies.
Among the health care measures signed were SB123, which amends coverage requirements for mammograms and breast ultrasounds, and HB1296, mandating coverage for services provided in mobile health units. HB1426 and HB1788 both modify aspects of the health care contracting and consumer application processes, while HB1703 sets up a reimbursement system for certain providers.
The Governor also approved legislation with implications for insurance regulation and state property protection, including SB237, dealing with captive insurers, and HB1821, which establishes a new state captive insurance program and creates the Office of Property Risk.
Several bills addressed education, such as SB167, amending school transfer dates under the school choice acts, and HB1062, which prevents students removed for violent behavior from being returned to the same class as their victims.
Higher education policies were also affected by HB1696, which creates a statewide core curriculum, and SB545, which amends property and financial regulations for public colleges and universities.
Public safety and law enforcement authority were expanded with SB510, authorizing cross-deputization between tribal and state law enforcement, and HB1515, which expands the Governor’s authority to deploy the Arkansas National Guard. HB1630 amends state law on capital murder and manslaughter to include certain drug offenses as predicate crimes.
Election-related changes include SB479, requiring individuals assisting disabled voters to present identification, and HB1713, requiring ballot titles of initiatives to meet specific reading level standards.
The Governor also signed SB433, authorizing the display of the national motto and Ten Commandments in certain settings.
Economic and infrastructure development were addressed in bills such as SB361, which promotes the creation of industrial development authorities, and SB421, authorizing the issuance of up to $500 million in bonds for water, waste, and flood control projects.
Additional legislation includes HB1740, exempting certain agricultural information from the state Freedom of Information Act, and HB1802, which creates a grant program to attract talent to Arkansas.
Tax-related laws signed by the Governor include SB412, adjusting income tax deductions for travel, and HB1594, which introduces a farmer sales tax ID card system to ease transactions for agricultural sellers.
A number of bills provided appropriations for state agencies and institutions, such as SB125 for the University of Central Arkansas, SB127 for the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and SB88 for the Department of Education’s Division of Higher Education. HB1191 and HB1194 cover funding for the Department of Public Safety.
Other notable acts signed into law include SB564, which redefines the legal classification of beer and malt beverages; HB1641, which expands the definition of harassment to include the use of tracking devices; and HB1745, which sets new requirements for commercial driver license holders related to work authorization and English proficiency.
In total, Governor Sanders signed more than 70 pieces of legislation, signaling a significant update across multiple sectors of Arkansas law, policy, and governance.