Senate News

The Senate passed legislation with far-reaching changes in how state-supported colleges and universities divide state aid, and how students qualify for scholarships.

The Senate has approved a property tax cut that will save Arkansas homeowners $56 million every year. The tax reduction is in Senate Bill 263, which will take effect in 2026. It raises the homestead property tax credit by $100 to $600 a year. The credit is currently $500. About 708,000 homeowners will benefit from the lower real property taxes.

The Senate has approved a package of bills with tougher regulations for the signature-gathering process by which citizens can place issues on statewide ballots.

The Republican Women’s Legislative Caucus will hold a press conference at 1:00 pm in the Old Supreme Court Room 

The Senate approved legislation to transfer the powers of the state Library Board to the Education Department. The same bill transfers the authority of the Arkansas Educational Television Commission to the Education Department.

The Senate approved legislation to improve maternal health care in Arkansas, especially in areas where existing medical services are lacking.

The Senate voted to provide all public school children with free breakfast, regardless of their income, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.

The Senate passed legislation to prohibit discrimination and preferential treatment in state government, public schools and state-supported institutions of higher education.

The Arkansas Senate quickly approved legislation to protect the rights of more than 500 victims of child sex abuse who have already won civil cases and are waiting for their settlements to become official.

The 2025 legislative session got off to a fast start. By the end of the session’s third day more than 200 bills had been introduced.