Jan 10, 2025 - Politics

Five bills we're watching in the Arkansas legislature

Alex Golden

Illustration of a three columns with a red pen. — Illustration: Gabriella Turrisi/Axios

The Arkansas General Assembly convenes for its regular session Monday, but your state legislators have already been busy filing bills for several weeks.

Why it matters: The regular session is when state lawmakers hash out proposed changes to state law. We're keeping an eye out for the most impactful potential policies — particularly in issues like health care and how national politics will influence Arkansas' mostly Republican legislature.

⚡️ HB1073 seeks to create an advanced energy jobs task force to study how to "best prepare Arkansas to take full advantage of the transition to advanced electricity systems with respect to job creation and economic development."

💰 HJR1005 would put the "Arkansas Taxpayer Bill of Rights" on the ballot. The amendment would require three-fourths votes of the state House and Senate to establish a new tax or increase taxes, among other budget-related changes.

😳 SB17 would prohibit the sale of a dead human body that is intended to be cremated. Violators may be charged a fine of up to $10,000 and/or be sentenced to up to five years in prison.

💵 HB1076 would create an income tax credit for caregivers.

✍️ HB1077 would require correctional facility administrators to notify the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs when a veteran is incarcerated.

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Five bills we're watching in the Arkansas legislature

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