Last year 426 Arkansas residents died from a drug overdose, according to death certificates filed with the state Health Department. That is an increase in fatal drug overdoses from 2017, when 417 people in Arkansas died from drugs.
Senate News
Arkansas Now Has 26 Open Enrollment Charter Schools
With the opening of the 2019-2020 school year, there are 26 open enrollment charter schools in Arkansas.
Senate Live Streaming Grows in Popularity
Transparency in government is a growth industry, if you analyze the number of people who watched the Arkansas Senate during the 2019 legislative session.
Penalty for Passing a Stopped School Bus Have Increased
Back to school in Arkansas means that more than 6,000 buses will transport 350,000 students to and from school.
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.