Back to school in Arkansas means that more than 6,000 buses will transport 350,000 students to and from school.
Senate News
Legislature Enacts Stronger Literacy Standards
Reading helps children avoid the "summer slide," when lazy days can make them forget what they've learned over the previous year.
Truth in Food Labeling Law Takes Effect
A new law requiring stricter labeling of food products has placed Arkansas in the middle of an international dispute over truth in labeling.
Many Bills Take Effect on 91st Day After Regular Session
Many of the bills approved by lawmakers earlier this year become effective on July 24, which is the 91st day after the legislature adjourned.
DHS to Review Denials of Assisted Living Services
The state Human Services Department is reviewing every case this year in which people have been denied assisted living or home care services in the Living Choices and ARChoices programs.
Division of Youth Services Closes Secure Lockup in Dermott
The state Division of Youth Services (DYS) closed a secure facility at Dermott, which was the second closing of a juvenile lockup this year.
School Nurses to Get Naloxone Kits
State officials announced that school nurses will be provided with kits containing naloxone nasal spray, which helps keep alive people alive when they have overdosed on painkillers known as opioids.
Legislature Tweaks School Choice Laws
The legislature updated Arkansas school choice laws when it approved Act 754 of 2019 earlier this year.
Legislature Began Work on Levees After 2015 Floods
Flooding has caused more than $100 million in damage to infrastructure in Arkansas, according to the governor's request for federal relief.
Independent Assessment Says Tobacco Settlement Commission Meeting Targets
The Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission distributes funds to seven public health programs. According to an independent evaluation, they're meeting an overwhelming majority of their goals.