Bills working their way through committees

Legislators continue session in Little Rock

ByRalph Hardin

ralphhardin@gmail.com

The Arkansas House has wrapped up the second week of the 2025 Regular Session, during which several bills were passed.

State Rep. Lincoln Barnett offered an update on the latest movements of several measures.

“HB1133, allows the Northwest Technical Institute to appoint a president with an industry background instead of requiring an educational background,” Barnett reported.

Another measure, HB1006, redesignates the 14th Judicial District as a Division A Judicial District. “The House also approved legislation to separate the offices of sheriff and tax collector in both Searcy County and Poinsett County,” said Barnett. “Additionally, HB1075 prohibits local governments from restricting the use or sale of lawn care devices based on their energy source and prevents local governments from imposing excise taxes or fees for the same reason.”

As the session progresses, members face upcoming deadlines. Any legislation affecting the licensure of healthcare providers must have been filed by Jan. 27,” said Barnett, “while legislation concerning publicly supported retirement or pension plans or state/public school health insurance must be filed by Jan. 31.”

To date, more than 200 bills have been filed in the House, and over 90 bills have been introduced in the Senate.

The House reconvened on Monday, January 27, at 1:30 p.m. All committee meetings and House floor proceedings are live-streamed and recorded at arkansashouse.org

BARNETT