Senate News

In 2023 the legislature enacted major changes to state laws affecting the operations of public schools and state prisons.

The centerpiece of the 2023 session was the LEARNS Act to make school choice more affordable, raise teacher salaries and train high school students for well-paid jobs even if they choose not to go to college. Also, legislature approved Act 659, the Protect Arkansas Act. It lengthens prison sentences for violent offenders and requires inmates to work harder to qualify for parole.

A subcommittee of the Legislative Council recommended almost $5.9 million in funding for the Arkansas Fire Training Academy, the primary training ground for firefighters from across the state.

Over a 12-month period there were 130 reported cyberattacks against Arkansas government at the state and local levels. That was more than twice the number reported in the previous year.

The Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism publishes a report every year on the health of the state’s tourism industry.

According to the most recent statistics available, tourism in Arkansas has never been stronger.