Senate News

  • Inmate Population to Grow by Two Percent a Year Until 2025, Experts Predict

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – The inmate population in Arkansas prisons will grow by an estimated two percent a year until 2035, according to an expert’s presentation at a conference of county officials, sheriffs, prison administrators and lawmakers. There is general agreement that Arkansas needs to add prison space in order to relieve overcrowding in […]

    27 Aug 2025 Weekly Updates
  • Private Organizations Help DCFS Provide Services to Foster Children

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – The director of the state Division of Children and Family Services told lawmakers that much of the agency’s improvements in recent years is due to greater involvement on the part of faith-based groups, churches and private sector organizations. For example, CarePortal is a program that the Arkansas Family Alliance uses […]

    20 Aug 2025 Weekly Updates
  • Death Row Inmates File Lawsuit Against New Arkansas Execution Procedure

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – Earlier this year the legislature approved Act 302 to allow executions by nitrogen hypoxia. The act took effect on August 5, the same day 10 inmates on death row filed suit to challenge its constitutionality. Execution by nitrogen hypoxia occurs when the inmate is forced to breathe nitrogen and therefore […]

    13 Aug 2025 Weekly Updates
  • Higher Education to Spend $279 Million on Athletics in Upcoming School Year

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas colleges and universities will spend about $279 million on athletics during the upcoming school year. State law requires all state-supported institutions of higher education to certify their budgeted revenues and expenditures for athletics. The results are submitted every summer to the state Higher Education Coordinating Board. State law also […]

    06 Aug 2025 Weekly Updates