Senate News

Arkansas won a long and hard-fought legal battle against large pharmaceutical manufacturers when the United States Supreme Court let stand a lower court ruling in the state’s favor. The decision means that Act 1103 of 2021 is constitutional and remains in effect.

The state Department of Correction has been in the news recently because of its efforts to build additional prison space, in order to improve public safety. Much less public attention has been paid to the Department’s agency that supervises parolees and people on probation, even though Arkansas has many more offenders out of prison than inside. The number of parolees and probationers is more than triple the number of inmates inside prison walls.

The state Senate held its traditional organizational meeting to name its leaders and choose committee assignments.

The governor proposed a balanced budget for legislators to consider during the 2025 session when they set spending levels for state government agencies.

Senator Missy Irvin of Mountain View, co- chairman of the Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, praised Booth’s three-and-a-half years of service as director of the Game and Fish Commission.

The governor unveiled a new pay plan for state employees that she will present for legislative approval during the 2025 regular session.

Arkansas legislators have been hearing from constituents about the rising costs of homeowners insurance premiums, so during the 2025 session they will explore numerous options for holding down rate increases.

Direct care nurses who work at long-term facilities operated by the state are eligible for a bonus of $5,000. Newly hired nurses are also eligible for bonuses, but the $5,000 would be paid in installments over several months.

The Arkansas tourism industry continues to flourish and is soon to surpass $10 billion in economic impact, according to the most recent report from the state Parks, Heritage and Tourism Department.

During budget hearings and continuing through the regular session that begins in January, legislators will tackle the difficult issue of controlling Medicaid costs.