Arkansas lawmakers have begun pre-filing bills in advance of the 2023 legislative session, which begins on January 9.
Senate News
Interest in Record Powerball Jackpot Drives Sales of Lottery Tickets
A record prize in the Powerball lottery generated increased ticket sales in Arkansas in October. Increased sales of lottery tickets generated an additional $2.1 million for college scholarships, compared to the same month last year.
Grants Now Available for Prevention, Treatment of Opioid Abuse
Funds are now available from the settlement of a massive lawsuit against opioid distributors, and will be awarded to projects that have demonstrated effectiveness in combating the abuse of painkillers.
Federal Authorities Allow Arkansas Medicaid to Focus on Vulnerable Groups
Arkansas received good news from federal regulators that allows the state Medicaid program to better help women during at-risk pregnancies and other at-risk populations. Last year Medicaid provided medical services to 12,500 Arkansas women with high-risk pregnancies. The availability of more benefits will extend also to veterans aged 19 through 30, and to people in rural areas who have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness or a substance abuse disorder.
Federal Judges Uphold Portions of New Congressional District Map
A panel of three federal judges dismissed portions of a lawsuit filed against state officials, in which plaintiffs argue that the legislature violated the federal Voting Rights Act last year when it drew new maps for the state’s four Congressional districts.