In July seven parolees were arrested and 18 weapons were seized. Their sentences will reflect the stronger penalties imposed by Act 946 of 2021, which enhances penalties for repeat offenders who use a firearm to commit felonies. The act prohibits them from being released on parole.
Weekly Updates
Arkansas to Expand Medicaid Services for Pregnant Women
Arkansas has begun the process of expanding Medicaid services so that more pregnant women can qualify for the government health care program.
Legislature Cuts Income Taxes for Millions of Arkansans
The legislature concluded a quick, three-day special session after approving income tax cuts that will save 1.6 million Arkansas taxpayers about $500 million.
Legislature Creates $50 Million Grant Program for School Safety Upgrades
When it meets in special session the legislature will consider a $50 million grant program for school safety measures.
Water Systems Ask for Access to Relief Funding
The joint Senate and House Committees on City, County and Local Affairs met to explore methods of funding of much-needed improvements to water and sewer systems across Arkansas.
Sales Tax Holiday Set for August 6 and 7
Every year the sales tax holiday is the first weekend in August. This year it will be Saturday, August 6, and Sunday, August 7.
Proposed Constitutional Amendments Would Legalize Recreational Marijuana and Block Casino in Pope County
Two interest groups submitted petitions to the Secretary of State seeking to have two proposed constitutional amendments placed on the November general election ballot.
One would legalize marijuana and the other would remove Pope County as a possible site for a gambling casino.
Governor to Call Special Session in August for Income Tax Reductions
The governor announced that he would call the legislature into special session on August 8 to consider income tax cuts that would save Arkansas families and businesses almost $700 million when they take effect.
School Safety Commission Continues Work to Protect Students and Staff
The Arkansas School Safety Commission is meeting frequently in order to have an initial report ready for the governor and legislators by August 1. The commission has been charged with updating its original report, which was issued in November of 2018.
Children and Family Services Division Working to Reduce Case Loads
When people call the state hotline to report suspected child abuse or neglect, about 80 percent are assigned to the Division of Children and Family Services. The other 20 percent are considered more serious, and are assigned to the State Police, which has a Division of Crimes Against Children. The Division has 428 family services workers. Their average caseload in March was 23.3, which is down from 25.5 last October. The state’s goal is to bring it below 20.