Arkansas Legislature

Little Rock Republican to seek Senate District 32 seat Little Rock Republican Bob Thomas announced Friday that he will seek election next year to the seat now held by departing state Sen. Will Bond, D-Little Rock. by Michael R. Wickline

Benton lawmaker calls off run for 2nd term in state House State Rep. Jasen Kelly, R-Benton, said Tuesday that he is not seeking reelection next year -- a month and a half after he announced intention to run for his second two-year term in the state House of Representatives. by Michael R. Wickline

54 House members in favor of expulsion of Arkansas representative A majority of Arkansas' representatives plan to vote to expel Rep. Mickey Gates from the state House of Representatives next month, they said in interviews last week. by Hunter Field, John Moritz, Michael R. Wickline

Age now 19 to buy cigarettes in Arkansas The minimum age to buy tobacco in Arkansas rises today. by Hunter Field

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.

State representative is positive for covid-19; test pending for 2nd lawmaker State Rep. Reginald Murdock, D-Marianna, has tested positive for covid-19, a spokeswoman for the Arkansas House of Representatives said Wednesday. by John Moritz - April 1, 2020

Arkansas House gavels into session at UALR basketball arena to consider covid-19 bill The Arkansas House of Representatives has gaveled into session — at a college basketball arena — to consider emergency legislation to free up funds in response ... March 26, 2020

Arkansas governor says he plans to call special session on Thursday Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Tuesday he plans to call a special session of the Legislature, starting Thursday that he hopes will be quick. by Michael R. Wickline - March 24, 2020

Challenger drops bid to be House speaker House Speaker Matthew Shepherd, who is seeking re-election to the leadership post, is the sole candidate after state Rep. Joe Jett, R-Success, said Thursday he ... by Michael R. Wickline - March 6, 2020

House 22 hopefuls tout pasts that vary The four candidates running to represent portions of Saline and Garland counties said their backgrounds are what distinguish them. by Hunter Field - February 18, 2020

Sales tax opinions separate state House hopefuls The two Republicans hoping to represent most of Jonesboro in the Arkansas House of Representatives disagree about education policy and whether the state should ... by Hunter Field - February 18, 2020

Flowers, Elliott weigh in on Medicaid, other issues In his bid to oust state Sen. Stephanie Flowers of Pine Bluff, former state Rep. Efrem Elliott of White Hall said he wants to push to allow public employees to ... by Michael R. Wickline - February 16, 2020

So far, state House runoff for Little Rock-area seat tied A second round of voting to determine a Democratic nominee in Little Rock's House District 34 ended unofficially in a tie Tuesday. by John Moritz - February 12, 2020

State Rep. Vivian Flowers pursues policing changes after being approached by officers with guns drawn State Rep. Vivian Flowers said Monday she will pursue legislation next year addressing police policy, after she and another candidate for office were approached... by John Moritz - February 11, 2020

State lawmakers told of rise in devices that vaping ban didn’t touch The federal ban on some types of flavored vaping products has led to increased use among teenagers in other devices that weren't affected by the ban, the direct... by Andy Davis - February 11, 2020

Farmer, Griffin aide in GOP race for Arkansas Senate’s District 26 A McGehee farmer and an aide to Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin from Crossett are competing in the March 3 Republican primary for a state Senate seat in southeast Arkansas... by Michael R. Wickline - February 10, 2020

State architect board’s director now off payroll after failing to appear before panel to discuss critical audit The executive director of the state Board of Architects, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers resigned last month after failing to appear before a legisl... by Michael R. Wickline - January 24, 2020

Arkansas Legislative Council approves resolution knocking impeachment Republican lawmakers in Little Rock voiced their displeasure Friday at the unfolding impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in the nation's capital, by agr... by John Moritz - January 17, 2020

Arkansas lawmakers again raise concerns about broadband grants Lawmakers on Wednesday declined to take a vote on the latest changes to Gov. Asa Hutchinson's proposal to distribute $25 million in state grants to extend broad... by Hunter Field - January 16, 2020

VIDEO: Arkansas governor defends decision to accept new refugees Arkansas' Republican governor on Monday defended his decision to continue accepting new refugees, challenging skeptical GOP lawmakers to avoid creating "fear" a... by The Associated Press - January 13, 2020