BILL TRACKER
Welcome to Opportunity Arkansas's bill tracker, where we closely monitor key pieces of legislation.
This tracker will be updated on a regular basis throughout legislative session to reflect new bills being filed and changes to the status of existing bills.
All bills are scored on a letter grading system by Opportunity Arkansas staff according to the following criteria:
A = Entirely moves Arkansas in the right direction
B = Mostly moves Arkansas in the right direction, but could use some slight improvements
C = A mixed bag, with some good and some not-so-good provisions
D = Mostly moves Arkansas in the wrong direction
F = Entirely moves Arkansas in the wrong direction
N/A = Not applicable (e.g. in the case of shell bills that have not been fully drafted yet)
We are generally tracking and scoring bills that fall within our six major policy areas, as outlined on our Roadmap to Opportunity 2023.
If we are missing bills of importance that you think we should weigh in on, please drop us a note on our Contact page.
94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2023)
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB478
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/13/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Dismang & Rep. Eaves
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Expands waterways grants and tax incentives
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would repeal the existing River Navigation Fund, but would create corporate giveaway incentives through additional grant funding and a net waterways income tax credit, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB575
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/13/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. M. Johnson
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Creates a mobile app to improve transparency around the parole processing
RATING
B
ANALYSIS
This would create a mobile app to provide important information about inmates being considered for parole.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB473
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/12/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Bryant & Rep. Hodges
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Restricts unions from deducting dues from paychecks
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would prohibit unions from deducting dues from paychecks, and require union applications to contain notice of a public school employees' right to refrain from joining a union.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB96
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/11/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Wallace & Rep. Milligan
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Requires a victim to be notified of a sex offender's petition to terminate their obligation to register as a sex offender
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would bring transparency to victims of sex-related crimes in the event a sex offender seeks to have their status eliminated.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB306
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/11/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Dismang
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Significantly expands welfare by raising the food stamp asset limit
RATING
F
ANALYSIS
This would increase Arkansas's food stamp asset limit by more than 350% (from $2,750 to $12,500) and adjust it for inflation annually. As a result, the number of individuals trapped on welfare would increase dramatically.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB403
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/11/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. B. Johnson & Rep. Vaught
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Consolidates and abolishes several agriculture-related boards and commissions
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would improve the efficiency of state government by consolidating and abolishing several unneeded state boards and commissions.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB470
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/11/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Dotson & Rep. Beck
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Expands the role of career and technical education in K-12 schools
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would require career and technical education (CTE) assessments are weighted in a similar manner as traditional assessments, as well as to require the State to review and publish approved CTE programs.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB458
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/11/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. English
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Expands public school choice as it relates to military families
RATING
B
ANALYSIS
This broadens the definition of military families to uniform services families when considering public school choice, and eliminates an arbitrary dealine for public school choice applications for these families.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB495
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/11/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Gilmore & Rep. Gazaway
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Makes various changes to address crime in Arkansas
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would make several impactful changes to address crime in Arkansas through a variety of effective mechanisms.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB477
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/11/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Dismang & Rep. Vaught
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Qualifies students who currently receive reduced-price meals for free meals at school
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would expand eligibility of free school meals to children of households with incomes well above the federal poverty level at a potential cost to state taxpayers.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB549
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/10/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Dismang & Rep. Eaves
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Decreases Arkansas individual and corporate income tax rates by $124 million
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would decrease individual and corporate income tax rates by approximately $124 million, reducing the top marginal individual income tax rate from 4.9% to 4.7% and the top marginal corporate income tax rate from 5.3% to 5.1%.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1663
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/7/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Gazaway
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Creates a new crime of knowingly exposing another person to fentanyl
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would help crack down on fentanyl distribution and related crimes by creating the offense of knowingly exposing a person to fentanyl, with serious penalties for violators.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1654
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/7/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Dismang
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Creates a new sales tax exemption for data centers
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1681
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/7/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Andrews
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Prohibits state and local entities from enacting a guarenteed income program
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would prevent welfare dependency by prohibiting government entities in Arkansas from implementing a guaranteed income program.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1719
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/7/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. Crowell
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Creates a new sales tax exemption for products and services related to electronic prescribing
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1766
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/7/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. L. Johnson & Sen. Hammer
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Consolidates boards relating to fire prevention
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would consolidate the duties of the State Fire Prevention Commission into the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board, helping improve efficiencies in state government.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1742
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/7/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. McCollum & Sen. Boyd
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Transfers the TEA program from DWS to DHS
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would transfer Arkansas's Temporary Employment Assistance program from the Division of Workforce Services to the Department of Human Services, better aligning the needs of individuals on the program with social services.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1840
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/7/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Andrews
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Prohibits an individual who commits unemployment fraud from collecting unemployment benefits for ten years
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would prohibit an individual who commits $1,000 or more in unemployment fraud from receiving unemployment benefits for a period of 10 years
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB579
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/7/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Leding
STATUS
In Senate Judiciary Committee
DESCRIPTION
Raises the age of adulthood from 18 to 21 for a series of criminal offenses
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would raise the age of adulthood for sentancing purposes from 18 to 21 for a series of criminal offenses, granting more leniency for even serious crimes if they were committed by someone between the ages of 18 and 20
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1011
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/6/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Pilkington
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Requires Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for depression screening of pregnant women.
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This bill would expand Medicaid benefits and increase costs. Medicaid is a broken welfare program that already traps nearly 1 in 3 Arkansas residents.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1012
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/6/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Ray
STATUS
Withdrawn
DESCRIPTION
Expands state income tax deduction
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would offer income tax relief to Arkansans, some of the most heavily taxed workers in the country.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1016
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/6/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Ray & Sen. Dismang
STATUS
Withdrawn
DESCRIPTION
Removes cap on standard deduction increases due to inflation & ties increases to a better inflation measure
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would offer income tax relief to Arkansans and protect inflation from eroding future relief.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1097
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/6/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Ray
STATUS
Withdrawn
DESCRIPTION
Cuts top marginal income rate
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would provide significant and lasting income tax relief for untold numbers of Arkansans, some of the highest taxed workers in the country.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1046
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/6/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Ray
STATUS
Withdrawn
DESCRIPTION
Eliminates the gross receipts tax for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1172
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/6/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Vaught & Sen. Dees
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Eliminates sales and use taxes for mortality composting devices sold to a commercial livestock or poultry producer.
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB283/HB1456
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/6/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Gilmore & Rep. Gazaway
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Creates more severe penalties for serious drug-related crimes, including fentanyl trafficking
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would help address drug-related crime by establishing more severe penalties for serious drug-related crimes, including fentanyl trafficking.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1575
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/6/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Burkes & Sen. Penzo
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Increases work search requirements for individuals receiving unemployment compensation
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would strengthen Arkansas's workforce by requiring all individuals receiving unemployment compensation to make at least five job search contacts per week—and to increase audits of these contacts—in order to help fill the nearly 100,000 open jobs in Arkansas.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1655
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/6/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo
STATUS
Failed
DESCRIPTION
Encourages the State to award a minimum amount of procurement contracts to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would help support newly-created Arkansas businesses by directing at least 5% of state contracts to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1682
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/6/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Andrews
STATUS
Withdrawn
DESCRIPTION
Disqualifies an individual for and enhances penalties for unemployment fraud
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would deter and penalize unemployment fraud in Arkansas through stronger penalties and disqualification periods.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1207
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/5/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Gilmore
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Speeds up the processing of local permits for economic development
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would improve the speed of local economic growth and ensure local bureaucracy does not slow down private enterprise unnecessarily.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1594
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/5/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Duffield & Sen. Flippo
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Creates a sales tax exemption for the Disabled Veterans of Americans
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
While well intentioned, this would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1657
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/5/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo
STATUS
Senate Floor
DESCRIPTION
Encourages the State to award a minimum amount of workforce development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would help support newly-created Arkansas businesses by directing at least 5% of workforce development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1659
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/5/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo
STATUS
Senate Floor
DESCRIPTION
Encourages the State to award a minimum amount of economic development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would help support newly-created Arkansas businesses by directing at least 5% of economic development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1592
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/5/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. C. Fite & Sen. Dismang
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Expands the tax credits for the Digital Product and Motion Picture Industry Development Act
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would effectively constitute an increase in a corporate giveaway tax incentive that will ultimately been be borne by all Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB496
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/5/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Hammer & Rep. L. Johnson
STATUS
House Floor
DESCRIPTION
Consolidates boards relating to fire prevention
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would consolidate the duties of the State Fire Prevention Commission into the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board, helping improve efficiencies in state government.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1818
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/5/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Beaty Jr
STATUS
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
DESCRIPTION
Increases the qualifying threshold of pre-payment of sales taxes for retailers from $200,000 in sales to $500,000 in sales
RATING
B
ANALYSIS
This would expand the threshold that triggers the requirement for retailers to pre-pay sales taxes from $200,000 to $500,000, providing modest relief to small retial businesses.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1452
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/4/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Gonzales
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Requires hospitals to comply with federal price transparency requirements
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would require Arkansas hospitals to comply with federal price transparency requirements and fine them for non-compliance. Hospitals recieve significant amounts of Arkansas taxpayer funding, and greater clarity on their pricing would improve health care affordability and options for members of the Arkansas workforce.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1523
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/4/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. K. Moore & Sen. Dismang
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Expands an existing sales tax exemption to cover more youth organizations in Arkansas
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would expand another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1762
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/4/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. McAlindon & Sen. Dotson
STATUS
Withdrawn
DESCRIPTION
Creates a process for notifying certain entities when a child abuse claim is made against a person who provides for the care of children
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would improve notification procedures for instances in which a claim of abuse is made against an individual who provides for the care of children as part of their employment.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB577
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/4/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Bryant
STATUS
In Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
DESCRIPTION
Requires union applications to contain a notice of a public employees' right to refrain from joining a union
RATING
B
ANALYSIS
This would require union membership applications to advise public employees of their right to refrain from joining a labor union
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1346
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/3/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Tosh & Sen. Wallace
STATUS
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
DESCRIPTION
Eliminates sales tax for food pantries
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1492
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/3/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. English
STATUS
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
DESCRIPTION
Amends and increases the income tax credit for youth apprenticeship programs
RATING
B
ANALYSIS
While the changes of this legislation are somewhat marginal, it would still be a positive step toward promoting apprenticeships and workforce development.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1516
LATEST ACTIVITY
4/3/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. English
STATUS
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
DESCRIPTION
Allows public schools to partner with subject matter experts and create an income tax credit for businesses that loan subject matter experts to public schools
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would improve real-world, hands-on educational opportunities for Arkansas students by encouraging subject matter experts in the business community to assist in teaching.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB90
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/30/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Hill & Rep. Underwood
STATUS
On Governor's Desk
DESCRIPTION
Creates an automatic and expedited occupational licensing process
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would improve the licensure process for individuals moving to Arkansas and allow them to obtain an occupational license more expeditiously. UPDATE: This score was updated from a "B" to an "A" to reflect additional changes made via a Senate amendment that substantially improved the automatic approval components of the legislation.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1443
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/30/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. C. Fite & Sen. Irvin
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Clarifies that victims of misdemeanor crimes have certain rights
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would improve the rights of certain crime victims in Arkansas by clarifying that victims of misdemeanor offenses have certain victim-related rights by virtue of being a victim of a crime.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1804
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/30/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Bentley and Sen. Penzo
STATUS
In House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
DESCRIPTION
Sets a universal certification period of 6 months for food stamps for able-bodied adults
RATING
F
ANALYSIS
This will actually increase the certification period for all able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDS) from 4 months to 6 months, allowing them to stay on welfare longer before recertification. Other able-bodied adults have even shorter certification periods that also may be raised.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1787
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/29/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Pilkington
STATUS
In House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
DESCRIPTION
Authorizes Medicaid presumptive eligibility determinations for pregnant women
RATING
F
ANALYSIS
This would authorize Arkansas's Medicaid program to make presumptive eligibillity determinations—a dangerous and fraud-filled method of enrolling individuals on Medicaid without verification of certain eligibility standards—for pregnant women.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB541
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/29/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Wallace
STATUS
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
DESCRIPTION
Creates a sales tax exemption for certain items and services sold to a cemetary
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB540
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/29/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Wallace
STATUS
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
DESCRIPTION
Creates a sales tax exemption for certain items related to human burial
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB530
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/29/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Leding
STATUS
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
DESCRIPTION
Creates a sales tax exemption for certain sales to a cultivation facility
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SJR8/HJR1005
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/28/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Dotson & Rep. Long
STATUS
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
DESCRIPTION
Taxpayers bill of rights and spending cap; shell bill; unclear at this time
RATING
N/A
ANALYSIS
Unclear at this time
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SJR10
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/28/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Wallace & Rep. Wardlaw
STATUS
In Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
DESCRIPTION
Creates a victims' bill of rights
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would provide several rights for victims of crimes in Arkansas, including to be heard in public proceedings, to be given reasonable protection from the accused, to be provided reasonable notice of release of the accused, and more.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1740
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/28/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Warren & Sen. McKee
STATUS
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
DESCRIPTION
Creates a sales tax exemption for sales to the Young Men's Christian Association
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1239
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/27/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Dotson
STATUS
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
DESCRIPTION
Repeals the franchise tax
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would repeal an unnecessary tax that currently punishes Arkansas businesses on an annual basis for simply existing in the state of Arkansas.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1702
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/27/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Unger & Sen. Bryant
STATUS
In House Education Committee
DESCRIPTION
Creates recall elections for school board directors
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would create recall elections for school board directors, introducing more accountability into Arkansas's education system.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB313
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/24/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Petty & Rep. John Carr
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Allows a military retiree or survivor to receive the full income tax exemption for retirement benefits
RATING
B
ANALYSIS
While this would provide marginal tax relief to a smaller portion of the population, it is a step in the right direction towards greater income tax relief for Arkansans—specifically those who have served our country.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB468
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/23/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Penzo
STATUS
In Senate Insurance and Commerce
DESCRIPTION
Requires personal care providers to submit certain documentation for Medicaid services
RATING
B
ANALYSIS
This would moderately help prevent Medicaid improper payments by requiring personal care providers to submit certain information and documentation.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1032
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/21/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. L. Fite
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Increases the homestead property tax credit across the board by $50
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would offer property tax relief to Arkansans.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1510
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/17/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Ray & Sen. Payton
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Restricts the instances in which special elections may be held and requires local referedums to occur in November
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would align local referendums—such as on tax issues—with high turnout elections and prevent localities from attempting to pass bad public policy during times of low voter turnout.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1490
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/16/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Collins
STATUS
Withdrawn
DESCRIPTION
Creates a sales tax exemption for the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB369
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/16/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Dotson
STATUS
In House Education Committee
DESCRIPTION
Makes various changes to career and technical education
RATING
B
ANALYSIS
This would make modest improvements to the state's coordination of career and technical education.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1669
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/16/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo
STATUS
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
DESCRIPTION
Waives certain fees and defer state income taxes for businesses created within the last five years
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would create important waivers of fees and a deferral of state income taxes to help new Arkansas businesses thrive in their first five years of existence.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1661
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/16/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Underwood
STATUS
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
DESCRIPTION
Eliminates the sales tax on food and groceries
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would eliminate the unnecessary broad-based sales tax that Arkansans are forced to pay on food and groceries, helping the state join a majority of other states that already do not tax food and groceries.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1639
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/15/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. McCollum & Sen. Penzo
STATUS
In House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative, and Military Affairs Committee
DESCRIPTION
Codifies and establishes a broad array of best interest guiding principles for foster care and other cases of child placement
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would create several key guiding principles for the purpose of determining foster care nad other child placement decisions, helping to align placement decisions with important goals like family integrity, health and safety of the child, timely permanency decisions, the availability of a relative caregiver, and the goal of the child to become a self-sufficient adult.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB232
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/14/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Clark
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Allows students to complete school at their old school if their family relocates
RATING
B
ANALYSIS
While the impact is likely somewhat constrained, it would provide additional choice for families that relocate to a different school district by giving them the option for their child to remain enrolled in his or her old school district, therefore expanding educational freedom.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB294
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/14/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Davis & Rep. Brooks
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Creates the Arkansas LEARNS Act
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would make several changes to Arkansas's educational system, including adopting the largest expansion of educational freedom in state history.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1204
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/13/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Wooten
STATUS
In House Education Committee
DESCRIPTION
Requires private schools to administer an annual assessment and admit every student who applies to attend with state funding
RATING
F
ANALYSIS
This places additional mandates and requirements on non-public schools that would be harmful to their goals.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1401
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/13/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Burkes & Sen. Penzo
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Reduces the maximum duration households with able-bodied adults can remain on cash welfare from 24 months to 12 months
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This significantly reduces welfare dependency in Arkansas by encouraging folks to move from welfare to work more quickly via a reduction in the maximum time limit for cash welfare for households with able-bodied adults.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1587
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/9/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Wooten
STATUS
In House Education Committee
DESCRIPTION
Requires home schools receiving public funds to administer an annual exam
RATING
F
ANALYSIS
This unnecessarily increases requirements on home schools without a corresponding increase in school choice, and ignores the improvements made to the process in the recently-signed AR LEARNS legislation.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1585
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/9/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Maddox & Sen. Hill
STATUS
In House Insurance and Commerce Committee
DESCRIPTION
Requires food delivery companies to carry insurance on vehicles used for food delivery
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would impose onerous insurance requirements on food delivery companies that could overregulate and unnecessarily harm an emerging industry, with costs passed onto consumers.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1465
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/7/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Crawford
STATUS
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
DESCRIPTION
Creates a sales tax exemption for disabled veterans
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
While well intentioned, this would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB304
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/7/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Stone & Rep. Gonzales
STATUS
Withdrawn
DESCRIPTION
Eases requirements for terminating problematic superintendents
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would increase accountability in Arkansas's education system by easing the requirements for terminating problematic superintendents.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1027
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/6/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Ray & Sen. M. Johnson
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Requires certain local taxes to be put before voters and have the vote aligned with major elections
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would give Arkansans a voice in local efforts to raise taxes on food and lodging and ensure these elections take place in higher-turnout environments.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1340
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/6/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Tosh & Sen. Wallace
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Disregards veterans disability benefits from counting against eligibility for food stamps
RATING
F
ANALYSIS
This legislation would constitute an expansion of welfare in Arkansas at a time when nearly one in ten Arkansans are on food stamps.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1430
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/6/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. Hammer
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Makes several changes to unemployment insurance
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would substantially improve the state's unemployment system, reduce dependency, and bolster the workforce by cutting the maximum duration of unemployment benefits from 16 weeks to 12 weeks, reforming unemployment taxes, and more.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB360
LATEST ACTIVITY
3/6/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Gillmore
STATUS
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
DESCRIPTION
Provides a sales tax exemption for textbooks, library books, and other instructional materials purchased at a library
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1196
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/27/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Gilmore
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Creates work requirements for able-bodied adults in public housing
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would help move individuals from welfare to work and end the cycle of dependency in taxpayer-funded housing.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB193
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/27/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Hill & Rep. Eubanks
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Streamlines occupational licensing for servicemembers
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would streamline the occupational licensing process for servicemembers by allowing national credentials to count towards occupational licensing requirements, extend felexibilities to military spouses, and remove an artbitrary one-year limit for veterans to apply service-related education.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1506
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/27/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Beaty Jr. & Sen Gilmore
STATUS
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
DESCRIPTION
Creates a sales tax exemption for parts used for agricultural and timber equipment and machinary repairs
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1185
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/24/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Mayberry & Sen. Clark
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Waives a district cap on public school choice in certain situations
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would expand public school choice and improve educational freedom.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB 1029
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/22/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Meeks
STATUS
In House Management Committee
DESCRIPTION
Limits early release for sex offenders
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would help prevent crime by limiting the early release of sex offenders.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1026
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/21/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Ray & Sen. Payton
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Prohibits localities from implementing an income tax
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would preemptively protect Arkansans from locally-imposed income taxes.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1197
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/21/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Gilmore
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Disqualifies unemployment recipients for a period of time if they fail accept a job offer or appear for a job interview
RATING
C
ANALYSIS
This bill would improve program integrity in the state's unemployment system by ensuring individuals are not taking advantage of the unemployment system. UPDATE: The score was updated from a "A" to a "C" because it removed the proposed requirement that a prospective requirement must report ghosting of an employer by an individual receiving unemployment insurance.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1478
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/21/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Eaves & Sen. B. Johnson
STATUS
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
DESCRIPTION
Increases eligibility for the commercial jet aircraft sales tax exemption
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would exacerbate an existing costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1476
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/21/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Gilmore
STATUS
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
DESCRIPTION
Creates a sales tax exemption for electricity sold to data centers
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1359
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/16/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Cavenaugh & Sen. Hammer
STATUS
Reported Correctly Engrossed
DESCRIPTION
Consolidates several boards and commissions
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would improve the efficiency of state government by consolidating and merging several state boards and commissions into a singular entity
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB206
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/16/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Penzo & Rep. Beaty Jr.
STATUS
In Senate Education Committee
DESCRIPTION
Makes several changes to school board elections
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would introduce greater accountability in school board elections by reducing the length of school board terms, requiring candidates to identify their party affiliation, aligning school board elections with general elections, and more.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1450
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/16/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Moore & Sen. Gilmore
STATUS
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
DESCRIPTION
Removes the 10% penalty for businesses not paying estimated quarterly taxes
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would remove an onerous provision on small businesses in Arkansas that requires them to pre-pay estimated quarterly taxes before the revenue is actually collected, and fines them for non-compliance. By removing this penalty, Arkansas businesses could better align their collection of business revenue with payment of taxes.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1043
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/15/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Berry & Sen. Stubblefield
STATUS
Withdrawn
DESCRIPTION
Minimum sentences for fentanyl-related crimes.
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would combat drug-related crimes by stregthening minimum sentences for fentanyl-related offenses.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB278
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/15/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. King & Rep. Miller
STATUS
In Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
DESCRIPTION
Repeals Arkansas's Medicaid "private option"/ARHOMES
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would eliminate Arkansas's Medicaid private option, otherwise known as ARHOMES, which currently places all Medicaid expansion enrollees into expensive qualified health plans. Instead, expansion enrollees would be moved into the conventional fee for service Medicaid program, saving taxpayers tens of millions each year.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HJR1009
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/14/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. Stubblefield
STATUS
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
DESCRIPTION
Provides for the partisan election of judges
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would require candidates for judicial office in Arkansas to declare their party affiliation, providing much-needed transparency to voters on where judges stand on crime-related issues.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1205
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/13/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Wooten
STATUS
In House Education Committee
DESCRIPTION
Requires all schools that accept state funding to provide transportation to certain students.
RATING
F
ANALYSIS
This legislation will impose additional mandates on non-public schools that could severely hamper their operations.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB256
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/13/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. B. Johnson & Rep. Beaty Jr.
STATUS
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
DESCRIPTION
Includes machinery used in R&D in the sales and use tax exemption for certain machinary and equipment used in manufacturing
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1004
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/9/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Ray & Sen. M. Johnson
STATUS
Signed into Law
DESCRIPTION
Requires the disclosure of sex offenders' address
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would add transparency for Arkansans living in close proximity to sex offenders, increasing public safety.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SB215
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/8/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. Irvin
STATUS
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
DESCRIPTION
Eliminates sales and use taxes for working horses and fencing used in commercial agricultural production
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HJR1012
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/8/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. S. Richardson
STATUS
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
DESCRIPTION
Allows the Legislature to create exemptions for property taxes
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
Currently, property tax exemptions require a constitutional amendment. This would advance property tax relief by allowing the Legislature to create property tax exemptions.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
SJR11
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/8/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Sen. King
STATUS
In Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
DESCRIPTION
Creates a new pardon board
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create a new board to grant pardons, in addition to retaining the Governor's authority to grant pardons. This would lead to another governmental entity that could expand the number of pardons granted.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1235
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/7/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Crawford & Sen. Boyd
STATUS
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
DESCRIPTION
Eliminates sales and use taxes for purchases made by a nonprofit that works with Arkansas citizens with developmental disabilities.
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HB1364
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/7/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Clowney & Sen. Davis
STATUS
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
DESCRIPTION
Eliminates sales and use tax for breast pumps and related items
RATING
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
BILL NUMBER
HJR1004
LATEST ACTIVITY
2/7/2023
LEAD SPONSOR
Rep. Ray
STATUS
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
DESCRIPTION
Requires voter approval for tax increases imposed by the General Assembly
RATING
A
ANALYSIS
This would strengthen tax relief for Arkansans by creating a Constitutional amendment to provide for voter approval requirement for tax increases imposed by the General Assembly.
BILL NO.
DESCRIPTION
LATEST ACTIVITY
LEAD SPONSOR
STATUS
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB478
Expands waterways grants and tax incentives
4/13/2023
Sen. Dismang & Rep. Eaves
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would repeal the existing River Navigation Fund, but would create corporate giveaway incentives through additional grant funding and a net waterways income tax credit, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB575
Creates a mobile app to improve transparency around the parole processing
4/13/2023
Sen. M. Johnson
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would create a mobile app to provide important information about inmates being considered for parole.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB473
Restricts unions from deducting dues from paychecks
4/12/2023
Sen. Bryant & Rep. Hodges
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would prohibit unions from deducting dues from paychecks, and require union applications to contain notice of a public school employees' right to refrain from joining a union.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB96
Requires a victim to be notified of a sex offender's petition to terminate their obligation to register as a sex offender
4/11/2023
Sen. Wallace & Rep. Milligan
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This bill would bring transparency to victims of sex-related crimes in the event a sex offender seeks to have their status eliminated.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB306
Significantly expands welfare by raising the food stamp asset limit
4/11/2023
Sen. Dismang
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would increase Arkansas's food stamp asset limit by more than 350% (from $2,750 to $12,500) and adjust it for inflation annually. As a result, the number of individuals trapped on welfare would increase dramatically.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB403
Consolidates and abolishes several agriculture-related boards and commissions
4/11/2023
Sen. B. Johnson & Rep. Vaught
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would improve the efficiency of state government by consolidating and abolishing several unneeded state boards and commissions.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB470
Expands the role of career and technical education in K-12 schools
4/11/2023
Sen. Dotson & Rep. Beck
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would require career and technical education (CTE) assessments are weighted in a similar manner as traditional assessments, as well as to require the State to review and publish approved CTE programs.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB458
Expands public school choice as it relates to military families
4/11/2023
Sen. English
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This broadens the definition of military families to uniform services families when considering public school choice, and eliminates an arbitrary dealine for public school choice applications for these families.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB495
Makes various changes to address crime in Arkansas
4/11/2023
Sen. Gilmore & Rep. Gazaway
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would make several impactful changes to address crime in Arkansas through a variety of effective mechanisms.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB477
Qualifies students who currently receive reduced-price meals for free meals at school
4/11/2023
Sen. Dismang & Rep. Vaught
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would expand eligibility of free school meals to children of households with incomes well above the federal poverty level at a potential cost to state taxpayers.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB549
Decreases Arkansas individual and corporate income tax rates by $124 million
4/10/2023
Sen. Dismang & Rep. Eaves
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would decrease individual and corporate income tax rates by approximately $124 million, reducing the top marginal individual income tax rate from 4.9% to 4.7% and the top marginal corporate income tax rate from 5.3% to 5.1%.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1663
Creates a new crime of knowingly exposing another person to fentanyl
4/7/2023
Rep. Gazaway
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This would help crack down on fentanyl distribution and related crimes by creating the offense of knowingly exposing a person to fentanyl, with serious penalties for violators.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1654
Creates a new sales tax exemption for data centers
4/7/2023
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Dismang
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1681
Prohibits state and local entities from enacting a guarenteed income program
4/7/2023
Rep. Andrews
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This would prevent welfare dependency by prohibiting government entities in Arkansas from implementing a guaranteed income program.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1719
Creates a new sales tax exemption for products and services related to electronic prescribing
4/7/2023
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. Crowell
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1766
Consolidates boards relating to fire prevention
4/7/2023
Rep. L. Johnson & Sen. Hammer
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This would consolidate the duties of the State Fire Prevention Commission into the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board, helping improve efficiencies in state government.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1742
Transfers the TEA program from DWS to DHS
4/7/2023
Rep. McCollum & Sen. Boyd
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This would transfer Arkansas's Temporary Employment Assistance program from the Division of Workforce Services to the Department of Human Services, better aligning the needs of individuals on the program with social services.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1840
Prohibits an individual who commits unemployment fraud from collecting unemployment benefits for ten years
4/7/2023
Rep. Andrews
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This would prohibit an individual who commits $1,000 or more in unemployment fraud from receiving unemployment benefits for a period of 10 years
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB579
Raises the age of adulthood from 18 to 21 for a series of criminal offenses
4/7/2023
Sen. Leding
In Senate Judiciary Committee
ANALYSIS
This would raise the age of adulthood for sentancing purposes from 18 to 21 for a series of criminal offenses, granting more leniency for even serious crimes if they were committed by someone between the ages of 18 and 20
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1011
Requires Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for depression screening of pregnant women.
4/6/2023
Rep. Pilkington
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This bill would expand Medicaid benefits and increase costs. Medicaid is a broken welfare program that already traps nearly 1 in 3 Arkansas residents.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1012
Expands state income tax deduction
4/6/2023
Rep. Ray
Withdrawn
ANALYSIS
This bill would offer income tax relief to Arkansans, some of the most heavily taxed workers in the country.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1016
Removes cap on standard deduction increases due to inflation & ties increases to a better inflation measure
4/6/2023
Rep. Ray & Sen. Dismang
Withdrawn
ANALYSIS
This bill would offer income tax relief to Arkansans and protect inflation from eroding future relief.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1097
Cuts top marginal income rate
4/6/2023
Rep. Ray
Withdrawn
ANALYSIS
This bill would provide significant and lasting income tax relief for untold numbers of Arkansans, some of the highest taxed workers in the country.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1046
Eliminates the gross receipts tax for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
4/6/2023
Rep. Ray
Withdrawn
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1172
Eliminates sales and use taxes for mortality composting devices sold to a commercial livestock or poultry producer.
4/6/2023
Rep. Vaught & Sen. Dees
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB283/HB1456
Creates more severe penalties for serious drug-related crimes, including fentanyl trafficking
4/6/2023
Sen. Gilmore & Rep. Gazaway
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This would help address drug-related crime by establishing more severe penalties for serious drug-related crimes, including fentanyl trafficking.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1575
Increases work search requirements for individuals receiving unemployment compensation
4/6/2023
Rep. Burkes & Sen. Penzo
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This would strengthen Arkansas's workforce by requiring all individuals receiving unemployment compensation to make at least five job search contacts per week—and to increase audits of these contacts—in order to help fill the nearly 100,000 open jobs in Arkansas.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1655
Encourages the State to award a minimum amount of procurement contracts to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years
4/6/2023
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo
Failed
ANALYSIS
This would help support newly-created Arkansas businesses by directing at least 5% of state contracts to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1682
Disqualifies an individual for and enhances penalties for unemployment fraud
4/6/2023
Rep. Andrews
Withdrawn
ANALYSIS
This would deter and penalize unemployment fraud in Arkansas through stronger penalties and disqualification periods.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1207
Speeds up the processing of local permits for economic development
4/5/2023
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Gilmore
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This would improve the speed of local economic growth and ensure local bureaucracy does not slow down private enterprise unnecessarily.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1594
Creates a sales tax exemption for the Disabled Veterans of Americans
4/5/2023
Rep. Duffield & Sen. Flippo
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
While well intentioned, this would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1657
Encourages the State to award a minimum amount of workforce development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years
4/5/2023
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo
Senate Floor
ANALYSIS
This would help support newly-created Arkansas businesses by directing at least 5% of workforce development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1659
Encourages the State to award a minimum amount of economic development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years
4/5/2023
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo
Senate Floor
ANALYSIS
This would help support newly-created Arkansas businesses by directing at least 5% of economic development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1592
Expands the tax credits for the Digital Product and Motion Picture Industry Development Act
4/5/2023
Rep. C. Fite & Sen. Dismang
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This would effectively constitute an increase in a corporate giveaway tax incentive that will ultimately been be borne by all Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB496
Consolidates boards relating to fire prevention
4/5/2023
Sen. Hammer & Rep. L. Johnson
House Floor
ANALYSIS
This would consolidate the duties of the State Fire Prevention Commission into the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board, helping improve efficiencies in state government.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1818
Increases the qualifying threshold of pre-payment of sales taxes for retailers from $200,000 in sales to $500,000 in sales
4/5/2023
Rep. Beaty Jr
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
ANALYSIS
This would expand the threshold that triggers the requirement for retailers to pre-pay sales taxes from $200,000 to $500,000, providing modest relief to small retial businesses.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1452
Requires hospitals to comply with federal price transparency requirements
4/4/2023
Rep. Gonzales
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This would require Arkansas hospitals to comply with federal price transparency requirements and fine them for non-compliance. Hospitals recieve significant amounts of Arkansas taxpayer funding, and greater clarity on their pricing would improve health care affordability and options for members of the Arkansas workforce.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1523
Expands an existing sales tax exemption to cover more youth organizations in Arkansas
4/4/2023
Rep. K. Moore & Sen. Dismang
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would expand another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1762
Creates a process for notifying certain entities when a child abuse claim is made against a person who provides for the care of children
4/4/2023
Rep. McAlindon & Sen. Dotson
Withdrawn
ANALYSIS
This would improve notification procedures for instances in which a claim of abuse is made against an individual who provides for the care of children as part of their employment.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB577
Requires union applications to contain a notice of a public employees' right to refrain from joining a union
4/4/2023
Sen. Bryant
In Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
ANALYSIS
This would require union membership applications to advise public employees of their right to refrain from joining a labor union
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1346
Eliminates sales tax for food pantries
4/3/2023
Rep. Tosh & Sen. Wallace
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1492
Amends and increases the income tax credit for youth apprenticeship programs
4/3/2023
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. English
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
ANALYSIS
While the changes of this legislation are somewhat marginal, it would still be a positive step toward promoting apprenticeships and workforce development.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1516
Allows public schools to partner with subject matter experts and create an income tax credit for businesses that loan subject matter experts to public schools
4/3/2023
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. English
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
ANALYSIS
This would improve real-world, hands-on educational opportunities for Arkansas students by encouraging subject matter experts in the business community to assist in teaching.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB90
Creates an automatic and expedited occupational licensing process
3/30/2023
Sen. Hill & Rep. Underwood
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This would improve the licensure process for individuals moving to Arkansas and allow them to obtain an occupational license more expeditiously. UPDATE: This score was updated from a "B" to an "A" to reflect additional changes made via a Senate amendment that substantially improved the automatic approval components of the legislation.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1443
Clarifies that victims of misdemeanor crimes have certain rights
3/30/2023
Rep. C. Fite & Sen. Irvin
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would improve the rights of certain crime victims in Arkansas by clarifying that victims of misdemeanor offenses have certain victim-related rights by virtue of being a victim of a crime.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1804
Sets a universal certification period of 6 months for food stamps for able-bodied adults
3/30/2023
Rep. Bentley and Sen. Penzo
In House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
ANALYSIS
This will actually increase the certification period for all able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDS) from 4 months to 6 months, allowing them to stay on welfare longer before recertification. Other able-bodied adults have even shorter certification periods that also may be raised.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1787
Authorizes Medicaid presumptive eligibility determinations for pregnant women
3/29/2023
Rep. Pilkington
In House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
ANALYSIS
This would authorize Arkansas's Medicaid program to make presumptive eligibillity determinations—a dangerous and fraud-filled method of enrolling individuals on Medicaid without verification of certain eligibility standards—for pregnant women.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB541
Creates a sales tax exemption for certain items and services sold to a cemetary
3/29/2023
Sen. Wallace
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB540
Creates a sales tax exemption for certain items related to human burial
3/29/2023
Sen. Wallace
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB530
Creates a sales tax exemption for certain sales to a cultivation facility
3/29/2023
Sen. Leding
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SJR8/HJR1005
Taxpayers bill of rights and spending cap; shell bill; unclear at this time
3/28/2023
Sen. Dotson & Rep. Long
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
ANALYSIS
Unclear at this time
NEW
MOVEMENT
SJR10
Creates a victims' bill of rights
3/28/2023
Sen. Wallace & Rep. Wardlaw
In Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
ANALYSIS
This would provide several rights for victims of crimes in Arkansas, including to be heard in public proceedings, to be given reasonable protection from the accused, to be provided reasonable notice of release of the accused, and more.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1740
Creates a sales tax exemption for sales to the Young Men's Christian Association
3/28/2023
Rep. Warren & Sen. McKee
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1239
Repeals the franchise tax
3/27/2023
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Dotson
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
ANALYSIS
This would repeal an unnecessary tax that currently punishes Arkansas businesses on an annual basis for simply existing in the state of Arkansas.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1702
Creates recall elections for school board directors
3/27/2023
Rep. Unger & Sen. Bryant
In House Education Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create recall elections for school board directors, introducing more accountability into Arkansas's education system.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB313
Allows a military retiree or survivor to receive the full income tax exemption for retirement benefits
3/24/2023
Sen. Petty & Rep. John Carr
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
While this would provide marginal tax relief to a smaller portion of the population, it is a step in the right direction towards greater income tax relief for Arkansans—specifically those who have served our country.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB468
Requires personal care providers to submit certain documentation for Medicaid services
3/23/2023
Sen. Penzo
In Senate Insurance and Commerce
ANALYSIS
This would moderately help prevent Medicaid improper payments by requiring personal care providers to submit certain information and documentation.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1032
Increases the homestead property tax credit across the board by $50
3/21/2023
Rep. L. Fite
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This bill would offer property tax relief to Arkansans.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1510
Restricts the instances in which special elections may be held and requires local referedums to occur in November
3/17/2023
Rep. Ray & Sen. Payton
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would align local referendums—such as on tax issues—with high turnout elections and prevent localities from attempting to pass bad public policy during times of low voter turnout.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1490
Creates a sales tax exemption for the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
3/16/2023
Rep. Collins
Withdrawn
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB369
Makes various changes to career and technical education
3/16/2023
Sen. Dotson
In House Education Committee
ANALYSIS
This would make modest improvements to the state's coordination of career and technical education.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1669
Waives certain fees and defer state income taxes for businesses created within the last five years
3/16/2023
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create important waivers of fees and a deferral of state income taxes to help new Arkansas businesses thrive in their first five years of existence.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1661
Eliminates the sales tax on food and groceries
3/16/2023
Rep. Underwood
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
ANALYSIS
This would eliminate the unnecessary broad-based sales tax that Arkansans are forced to pay on food and groceries, helping the state join a majority of other states that already do not tax food and groceries.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1639
Codifies and establishes a broad array of best interest guiding principles for foster care and other cases of child placement
3/15/2023
Rep. McCollum & Sen. Penzo
In House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative, and Military Affairs Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create several key guiding principles for the purpose of determining foster care nad other child placement decisions, helping to align placement decisions with important goals like family integrity, health and safety of the child, timely permanency decisions, the availability of a relative caregiver, and the goal of the child to become a self-sufficient adult.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB232
Allows students to complete school at their old school if their family relocates
3/14/2023
Sen. Clark
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
While the impact is likely somewhat constrained, it would provide additional choice for families that relocate to a different school district by giving them the option for their child to remain enrolled in his or her old school district, therefore expanding educational freedom.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB294
Creates the Arkansas LEARNS Act
3/14/2023
Sen. Davis & Rep. Brooks
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would make several changes to Arkansas's educational system, including adopting the largest expansion of educational freedom in state history.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1204
Requires private schools to administer an annual assessment and admit every student who applies to attend with state funding
3/13/2023
Rep. Wooten
In House Education Committee
ANALYSIS
This places additional mandates and requirements on non-public schools that would be harmful to their goals.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1401
Reduces the maximum duration households with able-bodied adults can remain on cash welfare from 24 months to 12 months
3/13/2023
Rep. Burkes & Sen. Penzo
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This significantly reduces welfare dependency in Arkansas by encouraging folks to move from welfare to work more quickly via a reduction in the maximum time limit for cash welfare for households with able-bodied adults.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1587
Requires home schools receiving public funds to administer an annual exam
3/9/2023
Rep. Wooten
In House Education Committee
ANALYSIS
This unnecessarily increases requirements on home schools without a corresponding increase in school choice, and ignores the improvements made to the process in the recently-signed AR LEARNS legislation.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1585
Requires food delivery companies to carry insurance on vehicles used for food delivery
3/9/2023
Rep. Maddox & Sen. Hill
In House Insurance and Commerce Committee
ANALYSIS
This would impose onerous insurance requirements on food delivery companies that could overregulate and unnecessarily harm an emerging industry, with costs passed onto consumers.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1465
Creates a sales tax exemption for disabled veterans
3/7/2023
Rep. Crawford
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
ANALYSIS
While well intentioned, this would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB304
Eases requirements for terminating problematic superintendents
3/7/2023
Sen. Stone & Rep. Gonzales
Withdrawn
ANALYSIS
This would increase accountability in Arkansas's education system by easing the requirements for terminating problematic superintendents.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1027
Requires certain local taxes to be put before voters and have the vote aligned with major elections
3/6/2023
Rep. Ray & Sen. M. Johnson
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This bill would give Arkansans a voice in local efforts to raise taxes on food and lodging and ensure these elections take place in higher-turnout environments.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1340
Disregards veterans disability benefits from counting against eligibility for food stamps
3/6/2023
Rep. Tosh & Sen. Wallace
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This legislation would constitute an expansion of welfare in Arkansas at a time when nearly one in ten Arkansans are on food stamps.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1430
Makes several changes to unemployment insurance
3/6/2023
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. Hammer
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would substantially improve the state's unemployment system, reduce dependency, and bolster the workforce by cutting the maximum duration of unemployment benefits from 16 weeks to 12 weeks, reforming unemployment taxes, and more.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB360
Provides a sales tax exemption for textbooks, library books, and other instructional materials purchased at a library
3/6/2023
Sen. Gillmore
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1196
Creates work requirements for able-bodied adults in public housing
2/27/2023
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Gilmore
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This bill would help move individuals from welfare to work and end the cycle of dependency in taxpayer-funded housing.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB193
Streamlines occupational licensing for servicemembers
2/27/2023
Sen. Hill & Rep. Eubanks
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would streamline the occupational licensing process for servicemembers by allowing national credentials to count towards occupational licensing requirements, extend felexibilities to military spouses, and remove an artbitrary one-year limit for veterans to apply service-related education.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1506
Creates a sales tax exemption for parts used for agricultural and timber equipment and machinary repairs
2/27/2023
Rep. Beaty Jr. & Sen Gilmore
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1185
Waives a district cap on public school choice in certain situations
2/24/2023
Rep. Mayberry & Sen. Clark
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This bill would expand public school choice and improve educational freedom.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB 1029
Limits early release for sex offenders
2/22/2023
Rep. Meeks
In House Management Committee
ANALYSIS
This bill would help prevent crime by limiting the early release of sex offenders.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1026
Prohibits localities from implementing an income tax
2/21/2023
Rep. Ray & Sen. Payton
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This bill would preemptively protect Arkansans from locally-imposed income taxes.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1197
Disqualifies unemployment recipients for a period of time if they fail accept a job offer or appear for a job interview
2/21/2023
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Gilmore
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This bill would improve program integrity in the state's unemployment system by ensuring individuals are not taking advantage of the unemployment system. UPDATE: The score was updated from a "A" to a "C" because it removed the proposed requirement that a prospective requirement must report ghosting of an employer by an individual receiving unemployment insurance.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1478
Increases eligibility for the commercial jet aircraft sales tax exemption
2/21/2023
Rep. Eaves & Sen. B. Johnson
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
ANALYSIS
This would exacerbate an existing costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1476
Creates a sales tax exemption for electricity sold to data centers
2/21/2023
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Gilmore
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1359
Consolidates several boards and commissions
2/16/2023
Rep. Cavenaugh & Sen. Hammer
Reported Correctly Engrossed
ANALYSIS
This would improve the efficiency of state government by consolidating and merging several state boards and commissions into a singular entity
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB206
Makes several changes to school board elections
2/16/2023
Sen. Penzo & Rep. Beaty Jr.
In Senate Education Committee
ANALYSIS
This would introduce greater accountability in school board elections by reducing the length of school board terms, requiring candidates to identify their party affiliation, aligning school board elections with general elections, and more.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1450
Removes the 10% penalty for businesses not paying estimated quarterly taxes
2/16/2023
Rep. Moore & Sen. Gilmore
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
ANALYSIS
This would remove an onerous provision on small businesses in Arkansas that requires them to pre-pay estimated quarterly taxes before the revenue is actually collected, and fines them for non-compliance. By removing this penalty, Arkansas businesses could better align their collection of business revenue with payment of taxes.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1043
Minimum sentences for fentanyl-related crimes.
2/15/2023
Rep. Berry & Sen. Stubblefield
Withdrawn
ANALYSIS
This bill would combat drug-related crimes by stregthening minimum sentences for fentanyl-related offenses.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB278
Repeals Arkansas's Medicaid "private option"/ARHOMES
2/15/2023
Sen. King & Rep. Miller
In Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
ANALYSIS
This would eliminate Arkansas's Medicaid private option, otherwise known as ARHOMES, which currently places all Medicaid expansion enrollees into expensive qualified health plans. Instead, expansion enrollees would be moved into the conventional fee for service Medicaid program, saving taxpayers tens of millions each year.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HJR1009
Provides for the partisan election of judges
2/14/2023
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. Stubblefield
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
ANALYSIS
This would require candidates for judicial office in Arkansas to declare their party affiliation, providing much-needed transparency to voters on where judges stand on crime-related issues.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1205
Requires all schools that accept state funding to provide transportation to certain students.
2/13/2023
Rep. Wooten
In House Education Committee
ANALYSIS
This legislation will impose additional mandates on non-public schools that could severely hamper their operations.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB256
Includes machinery used in R&D in the sales and use tax exemption for certain machinary and equipment used in manufacturing
2/13/2023
Sen. B. Johnson & Rep. Beaty Jr.
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1004
Requires the disclosure of sex offenders' address
2/9/2023
Rep. Ray & Sen. M. Johnson
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This bill would add transparency for Arkansans living in close proximity to sex offenders, increasing public safety.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB215
Eliminates sales and use taxes for working horses and fencing used in commercial agricultural production
2/8/2023
Sen. Irvin
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HJR1012
Allows the Legislature to create exemptions for property taxes
2/8/2023
Rep. S. Richardson
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
ANALYSIS
Currently, property tax exemptions require a constitutional amendment. This would advance property tax relief by allowing the Legislature to create property tax exemptions.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SJR11
Creates a new pardon board
2/8/2023
Sen. King
In Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create a new board to grant pardons, in addition to retaining the Governor's authority to grant pardons. This would lead to another governmental entity that could expand the number of pardons granted.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1235
Eliminates sales and use taxes for purchases made by a nonprofit that works with Arkansas citizens with developmental disabilities.
2/7/2023
Rep. Crawford & Sen. Boyd
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1364
Eliminates sales and use tax for breast pumps and related items
2/7/2023
Rep. Clowney & Sen. Davis
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HJR1004
Requires voter approval for tax increases imposed by the General Assembly
2/7/2023
Rep. Ray
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
ANALYSIS
This would strengthen tax relief for Arkansans by creating a Constitutional amendment to provide for voter approval requirement for tax increases imposed by the General Assembly.
This tracker is updated twice per week, typically on Wednesdays and Friday afternoons. Please check back regularly for new movement and new bill filings.
