Arkansas is changing the eligibility requirements for people who are enrolled in ARHOME, a category of Medicaid the program. Beginning next year they will have to work, volunteer in their community or continue their education in order to continue receiving benefits.
Weekly Updates
Legislature Prepares for Far-Reaching Education Proposals
Backed by a host of legislators, the governor revealed details of her education package. The proposed changes in public school funding would be numerous and far reaching. They include large increases in teacher pay and the expansion of literacy programs for young children.
Senate Approves Legislation Repealing the Licensure of Abortion Facilities
The Senate passed legislation to repeal language in state law allowing medical facilities to be licensed in order to perform abortions.
Senate Addresses Wide Variety of Issues
The first three weeks of the 2023 legislative have session have been remarkable for the wide variety of issues the Senate has addressed.
Legislation Being Written to Overhaul Parole and Sentencing
There are many stages in the process of convicting criminals and sentencing them to prison. Senate Bill 2, the “Truth in Sentencing and Parole Reform Act of 2023,” will change many of them.
Senate Confirms Governor's Cabinet Appointments
The 2023 legislative session got off to a smooth start. The full Senate confirmed the governor’s secretarial nominations, and Senate committees got their initial organizational meetings out of the way.
Legislature Convenes 2023 Regular Session
School choice, prison expansion and tax cuts are expected to be the highlights of the 2023 regular legislative session that convenes on Monday, January 9.
Senate Will Have 13 Newcomers When 2023 Session Convenes
When the 2023 regular session convenes on January 9, there will be 13 new members in the Arkansas Senate.
Legislative Council Approves Funding for Broadband, Courts, Rural Hospitals and Prison Expansion
Legislators finished the calendar year with a final round of recommendations for spending federal relief funds and reserve funds. The recommendations include using another $93.8 million for broadband projects and $20 million to upgrade computerized case management for the state court system. Also, $6.25 million was recommended to help cover the expenses of opening the new Sevier County Medical Center.
State Awards $270 Million For Water and Wastewater Projects
The state Natural Resources Commission has awarded $270 million in grants for 157 drinking water and wastewater projects in 58 counties. Work will begin in 2023 on the projects and they must be completed before the end of 2026.