Arkansas Legislature

Arkansas lawmaker reaches deal in tax case, is ordered to pay at least $74,789 State Rep. Mickey Gates, a Republican from Hot Springs, pleaded no contest Monday in Garland County Circuit Court to failing to file a state income tax return or pay taxes for the 2012 tax year, entering a plea that defers a guilty finding. by David Showers

Early voting set to start in special primary for House seat in Pulaski County Early voting begins Tuesday for a special primary election in House District 36 in southeast Pulaski County. by John Moritz

Former Arkansas senator pleads guilty to tax fraud, bribery charges Former Arkansas Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson pleaded guilty to accepting bribes and falsifying tax records, affirming during a Tuesday court hearing that he received thousands of dollars from lobbyists seeking to influence state policy. by Youssef Rddad

Grant program short on takers State lawmakers hope that boosting the money available to the Department of Higher Education to market the 2-year-old Arkansas Future Grant program will lead to more students applying and receiving its financial help. 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.

Speaker to seek post in Arkansas House again House Speaker Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, said on Friday that he's seeking re-election to a second full term in that leadership post. by Michael R. Wickline - May 18, 2019

Panel approves cut in insurance-premium fee A legislative panel on Thursday approved a reduction in the fee charged to insurance companies that offer subsidized health coverage in Arkansas under the 2010 ... by Andy Davis - May 17, 2019

Top Democrat in Arkansas House to step down House Minority Leader Charles Blake, D- Little Rock, said Thursday morning that he is resigning his House seat in order to explore other career opportunities. ... by John Moritz - May 16, 2019

Arkansas lawmakers write in to correct record; letters to chambers explain how clumsy fingers, distractions led to vote errors Freshman Rep. Jay Richardson is the only state lawmaker to be recorded in this year's regular legislative session as casting his vote against a bill to grant ca... by Michael R. Wickline - May 12, 2019

17 anti-tax-rise pledgers voted for Arkansas roads-levy bill Seventeen of 23 state lawmakers who signed an anti-tax-increase pledge voted for a bill enacted this year that will levy new taxes to help raise money for highw... by Michael R. Wickline - May 5, 2019

Few gun bills gained approval from Arkansas lawmakers in session Legislative proposals on both sides of the gun-rights debate in Arkansas this year had varied results, with three becoming law, some struggling in committee and... by John Moritz - April 29, 2019

2 Republican Arkansas lawmakers say amendment votes’ outcome key to thwarting ‘the left’ Arkansas voters in 2020 need to approve a proposed constitutional amendment that would make it more difficult to qualify proposals for the ballot because left-l... by Michael R. Wickline - April 29, 2019

Legislative session yields fewer filings, fewer laws for state Eliminating the bill-filing deadline in this year’s regular legislative session led to a big drop in the number of measures filed, according to some officials. April 28, 2019

Legislative session ends with 1 last bill; item allows way to alter Little Rock's form of government Just before adjourning this year's regular legislative session, the Arkansas Senate on Wednesday sent the governor a bill that would allow the Little Rock Board... by Hunter Field, Michael R. Wickline - April 25, 2019

Arkansas Legislature formally adjourns 2019 session LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas lawmakers have formally adjourned this year's session after giving final approval to legislation that would change the way Little Rock ca... by The Associated Press - April 24, 2019

New restrictions put on abortions in Arkansas part of wave in U.S. Mirroring a nationwide trend, Arkansas legislators introduced bills during the recently adjourned session that tack a growing number of restrictions onto a woma... by Linda Satter - April 22, 2019

New laws on licenses ease path for Arkansas drivers Thanks to nearly a dozen laws passed this year in Arkansas' 92nd General Assembly, obtaining a state driver's license just got a little easier -- especially for... by Jeannie Roberts - April 22, 2019

Capitol session wraps up this week Legislative leaders aren't expecting much, if any, action when the 92nd General Assembly reconvenes at noon Wednesday at the state Capitol to wrap up the regula... by Michael R. Wickline - April 22, 2019

More-recess-time law playing out at Arkansas schools; North Little Rock district opts to lengthen class day The school day will be 20 minutes longer in the coming 2019-20 school year in North Little Rock School District elementary schools as a way to provide more time... by Cynthia Howell - April 21, 2019

Arkansas legislators cool to retiree filings; system trustees faulted on offering reasons for changes Most of the bills proposed by the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System trustees to reduce the system's unfunded liabilities failed to clear the Legislatu... by Michael R. Wickline - April 21, 2019

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92nd General Assembly

92nd Arkansas General Assembly