Arkansas won a long and hard-fought legal battle against large pharmaceutical manufacturers when the United States Supreme Court let stand a lower court ruling in the state’s favor. The decision means that Act 1103 of 2021 is constitutional and remains in effect.
Weekly Updates
Division of Community Corrections Supervises 70,000 Parolees and Probationers
The state Department of Correction has been in the news recently because of its efforts to build additional prison space, in order to improve public safety. Much less public attention has been paid to the Department’s agency that supervises parolees and people on probation, even though Arkansas has many more offenders out of prison than inside. The number of parolees and probationers is more than triple the number of inmates inside prison walls.
Senate Chooses Leadership and Committee Assignments for 95th General Assembly
The state Senate held its traditional organizational meeting to name its leaders and choose committee assignments.
Governor Proposes Balanced State Budget for Fiscal 2026
The governor proposed a balanced budget for legislators to consider during the 2025 session when they set spending levels for state government agencies.
Governor Unveils New Pay Plan for State Employees
The governor unveiled a new pay plan for state employees that she will present for legislative approval during the 2025 regular session.
Legislators Explores Options for Holding Down Insurance Costs
Arkansas legislators have been hearing from constituents about the rising costs of homeowners insurance premiums, so during the 2025 session they will explore numerous options for holding down rate increases.
Legislators Approve Bonuses for Nurses at Long-Term Care Facilities
Direct care nurses who work at long-term facilities operated by the state are eligible for a bonus of $5,000. Newly hired nurses are also eligible for bonuses, but the $5,000 would be paid in installments over several months.
Arkansas Tourism Continues to Flourish
The Arkansas tourism industry continues to flourish and is soon to surpass $10 billion in economic impact, according to the most recent report from the state Parks, Heritage and Tourism Department.
Legislators Grapple With Rising Costs of Medicaid
During budget hearings and continuing through the regular session that begins in January, legislators will tackle the difficult issue of controlling Medicaid costs.
Legislative Budget Hearings Have Begun
Legislative budget hearings have begun at the state Capitol, in preparation for the 2025 regular session that begins in January.