Many of the bills approved by lawmakers earlier this year become effective on July 24, which is the 91st day after the legislature adjourned.
Senate News
DHS to Review Denials of Assisted Living Services
The state Human Services Department is reviewing every case this year in which people have been denied assisted living or home care services in the Living Choices and ARChoices programs.
Division of Youth Services Closes Secure Lockup in Dermott
The state Division of Youth Services (DYS) closed a secure facility at Dermott, which was the second closing of a juvenile lockup this year.
School Nurses to Get Naloxone Kits
State officials announced that school nurses will be provided with kits containing naloxone nasal spray, which helps keep alive people alive when they have overdosed on painkillers known as opioids.
Legislature Tweaks School Choice Laws
The legislature updated Arkansas school choice laws when it approved Act 754 of 2019 earlier this year.
Legislature Began Work on Levees After 2015 Floods
Flooding has caused more than $100 million in damage to infrastructure in Arkansas, according to the governor's request for federal relief.
Independent Assessment Says Tobacco Settlement Commission Meeting Targets
The Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission distributes funds to seven public health programs. According to an independent evaluation, they're meeting an overwhelming majority of their goals.
New Law Guarantees Elementary Students at Least 40 Minutes of Recess Every Day
Elementary school students in Arkansas will get at least 40 minutes a day of recess under legislation approved earlier this year by the General Assembly.
Legislators Try to Lower Maternal Mortality Rates
The rate of maternal mortality in Arkansas is above the national average, so earlier this year the legislature created a review committee to develop new strategies for preventing women from dying during childbirth.
State Announces Plan to Expand Broadband Access in Under-Served Areas
The goal of the new Arkansas State Broadband Plan, announced by the governor, is to make high-speed Internet access available to all communities of more than 500 people by the year 2022.