Arkansas Legislature

Virtual-meetings OK advances On a split vote, the state House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs recommended a bill that proposes to amend the state open meetings law to allow city and county governments to hold virtual meetings during a state of emergency. by Rachel Herzog

State Senate advances liquor legislation; bill would extend home deliveries The Arkansas Senate on Wednesday narrowly approved a bill that would allow liquor stores to continue home delivery service even after the state's public health emergency ends. by Michael R. Wickline

Bill to end HSU board advances in Senate Legislation to complete Henderson State University's merger into the Arkansas State University System was advanced by the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday. by Rachel Herzog

STATE CAPITOL BRIEFS: Benton legislator says he has virus | Tax cut bills put at end of session | Car-wash fees bill stance questioned by Michael R. Wickline

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 Senate committee backs second try at stand-ground bill Senate Republicans advanced legislation Wednesday to remove the duty to retreat from Arkansas' self-defense laws, a significant first step in enacting a "stand ... by John Moritz - January 14, 2021

State panel endorses emergency rules for virus safety The Arkansas House Rules Committee on Wednesday recommended the House approve emergency rules that would require representatives, staff members and others who a... by Michael R. Wickline - January 14, 2021

STATE CAPITOL BRIEFS: Marion lawmaker positive for virus | House advances appropriation bill Marion lawmaker positive for virus by Michael R. Wickline - January 14, 2021

Calendar The calendar of public events of the 93rd General Assembly for today, the fourth day of the 2021 regular session. January 14, 2021

'Stand your ground' bill clears state Senate committee Senate Republicans advanced legislation Wednesday that would remove the duty to retreat from Arkansas' self-defense laws, clearing a hurdle for the proposal tha... by John Moritz - January 13, 2021

LATEST: State Senate rejects mask proposal The House unanimously voted on Monday to re-elect House Speaker Matthew Shepherd, R- El Dorado, to lead the lower chamber. by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette - January 11, 2021

QUIZ: How much do you know about the state Legislature? Test your knowledge of Arkansas politics. by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette - January 11, 2021

Covid-19 on minds as session to begin; state lawmakers convening today When the Arkansas General Assembly convenes at noon today during a once-in-a-century pandemic, the first-day ceremonies will be the same, but they'll be taking ... by Rachel Herzog - January 11, 2021

Women's health focus of 3 bills filed for state session At least three bills that could expand Arkansas women's access to birth control, breast milk and feminine hygiene products have been filed ahead of the 2021 leg... by Rachel Herzog - January 11, 2021

Range of measures on lineup for state Legislature In the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, Arkansas' 93rd General Assembly begins at noon Monday and is expected to tackle a variety of measures in its regular sess... by Michael R. Wickline - January 10, 2021

Covid rules drafted for new legislative session Leaders for the Arkansas General Assembly and the secretary of state's office are proposing several coronavirus-related rules for the coming legislative session... by Rachel Herzog - January 8, 2021

Sorvillo's vote claims rejected The Arkansas Claims Commission rejected claims of an "irreparably" flawed election by state Rep. Jim Sorvillo, R-Little Rock, on Monday, and it unanimously reco... by John Moritz - January 5, 2021

Hickey poised to take reins of state Senate Sen. Jimmy Hickey Jr. and Gov. Asa Hutchinson have slightly different impressions of what the governor said about the senator. by Michael R. Wickline - January 3, 2021

District lines on legislators’ minds Northwest Arkansas lawmakers have no formal say in the redrawing of legislative district boundaries but they say that will be a top-of-mind issue for all legisl... by Doug Thompson - January 3, 2021

Fewer women going to state Capitol After the number of women in the Arkansas Legislature reached records over the past two years, the 93rd General Assembly will have fewer women in its ranks than... by John Moritz - December 27, 2020