Senate News

  • 2026 Fiscal Session Begins

    LITTLE ROCK — In 2008, Arkansas voters approved a constitutional amendment that established a fiscal session separate from the general session. Legislators meet in general sessions in odd-numbered years, when they consider a wide range of issues. In even-numbered years, the Legislature holds fiscal sessions that focus on the state budget. The Arkansas General Assembly […]

    10 Apr 2026 Weekly Updates
  • Arkansas Autism Legislative Task Force Meeting

    LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Autism Legislative Task Force met this week to review significant updates and developments related to autism services and support in the state. The task force includes members of the Arkansas General Assembly, autism experts, and representatives from state agencies and organizations. It is co‑chaired by Senator Justin Boyd of Fort […]

    03 Apr 2026 Weekly Updates
  • Media Release from Senator King on His County Equalization Turnback Resolution

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Senator Bryan B. King 501-682-6107 April 3, 2026 Today I filed the County Equalization Turnback Resolution (SR6) for the Arkansas General Assembly’s upcoming fiscal session. Passage of this resolution and bill will distribute sales tax collections to county governments. Currently sales tax is collected and sent to the state and then is distributed […]

    03 Apr 2026 News Releases
  • Arkansas Legislative Council Approves the Classic Learning Test

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Legislative Council recently voted to approve a contract worth up to $12 million to offer the Classic Learning Test (CLT) in high schools across the state for the next four years. The contract is between the Arkansas Department of Education and Maryland-based Classic Learning Initiatives LLC. The contract […]

    27 Mar 2026 Weekly Updates
  • Arkansas Legislative Council at Work

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK  — Much of the Arkansas Legislature’s work between full legislative sessions takes place in committee, and this week the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) and its subcommittees were in full swing. Created by Act 264 of 1949, the ALC gathers information that guides lawmakers during regular legislative sessions. It coordinates the work […]

    20 Mar 2026 Weekly Updates
  • Arkansas Lawmakers Convene for Budget Hearings

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas lawmakers recently convened for budget hearings to review spending across state government ahead of the fiscal session beginning April 8. The hearings opened with a presentation of Governor Sarah Sanders’ balanced budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027. Arkansas does not deficit spend or borrow to fund day‑to‑day government operations, […]

    13 Mar 2026 Weekly Updates
  • Updated Budget Set for Fiscal Session

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – In 2008, almost 70% of Arkansas voters approved the proposed Constitutional Amendment which created the Arkansas Legislature’s Fiscal Session.  Voters decided a fiscal session would allow for greater legislative oversight and the ability to make necessary changes more readily because the national or state economy can change quickly.  This year’s […]

    04 Mar 2026 Weekly Updates
  • Executive Order to Streamline Permitting

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – To improve efficiency within state government, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed an executive order this week to streamline permitting.  The executive order is part of the Governor’s Arkansas Forward initiative to save money and improve efficiency.  Consequently, this will help refine government processes and expedite permits to protect natural resources […]

    25 Feb 2026 Weekly Updates
  • New Center Aims to Revolutionize Food Science

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – This week the new Center of Excellence for Food Science and Innovation in Fayetteville, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture received $30 million in federal funding.   The new center has been in planning phase, and this funding will catapult the process forward.   The federal funding was […]

    18 Feb 2026 Weekly Updates
  • New Building for Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – A new building is currently under construction for the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind (ASDB).   At the end of January, the school celebrated the “topping-off” ceremony with the final white steel beam, marking a milestone in construction of the new school. In 2023, state officials toured the Arkansas […]

    11 Feb 2026 Weekly Updates