Arkansas Legislature

Bill seeks to add to list of newborn screenings in Arkansas; disease now treatable, lawmaker says An often fatal degenerative disease would be added to the list of genetic disorders for which newborns must be screened under a bill that cleared a legislative committee Tuesday. by Andy Davis

Arkansas legislator files 2 more bills on state agencies' realignment Rep. Andy Davis, R-Little Rock, on Tuesday filed bills that would provide details for the establishment of the Department of Energy and Environment and the Department of Public Safety, both part of Gov. Asa Hutchinson's plan to reorganize state government. by Michael R. Wickline

State bill on employee microchips clears legislative committee; erring toward workers, bill would ban mandates on their use A bill that would bar Arkansas employers from requiring employees to be implanted with microchips cleared a legislative committee Tuesday. by Andy Davis

Capitol news in brief Bill bans abortions if Roe overturned

LIVE FEED: Arkansas legislators + Democrat-Gazette reporters on Twitter Follow along to see the latest posts from Arkansas' representatives and senators, plus updates from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Capitol bureau.

Arkansas lawmakers endorse Halloween ban for sex offenders LITTLE ROCK — A bill heading to the Arkansas Senate would ban sex offenders from participating in Halloween activities with children, including wearing costumes... by The Associated Press - January 23, 2019

Arkansas Republican women legislators announce "Dream Big" initiative, form caucus The 21 women in the Arkansas Legislature’s Republican caucus on Wednesday announced their “Dream Big” initiative of five pieces of legislation focused on educat... by John Moritz - January 23, 2019

Panel signs off on casino consultant The Joint Budget Committee on Tuesday signed off on two state contracts totaling $150,000 with an Arizona-based consulting firm to help the Arkansas Racing Comm... by Michael R. Wickline - January 23, 2019

Arkansas bill would ban abortion if Roe ruling overturned LITTLE ROCK — An Arkansas lawmaker filed legislation Tuesday that would trigger an abortion ban in the state if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns its landmark 19... by The Associated Press - January 22, 2019

No-tax-increase pledge by state lawmakers hits highway bump Some of 23 state lawmakers who pledged with a Washington, D.C.-based group to vote against tax increases disagree whether a vote to refer a tax increase for hig... by Michael R. Wickline - January 22, 2019

3 abortion bills filed in Arkansas Legislature; bills focus on complications, birth control, Down syndrome Three bills related to abortion and other reproduction matters were filed by the end of the first week of the state's regular legislative session, but there are... by Jeannie Roberts - January 21, 2019

Tax cuts, agency reorganizations on agenda for state legislators The holiday-shortened week ahead for Arkansas lawmakers will likely see movement begin on two big-ticket items: tax cuts and government reorganization, accordin... by John Moritz - January 21, 2019

State reshape to get 1st look; government reorganization plan due next week at panel The Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee will begin reviewing parts of Gov. Asa Hutchinson's plan to reorganize state government next week, ... by Michael R. Wickline - January 18, 2019

Panel supports bill on filing deadline The Senate Rules Committee on Thursday recommended Senate approval of joint rules for both chambers that would eliminate the filing deadline for bills that aren... January 18, 2019

Measure advances on sealing records A bill recommended Thursday by the House Judiciary Committee would cut from 90 days to 30 the waiting period to seal criminal records. January 18, 2019

Renaming proposed for a House panel Rep. Andy Davis, R-Little Rock, on Thursday proposed renaming the House Public Transportation Committee and giving it some duties now handled by two other commi... January 18, 2019

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Governor Asa Hutchinson Swearing in Ceremony

Gov. Asa Hutchinson address Arkansas legislature