2.8.25 – Jonesboro Right Now
Arkansas State Senate
The Senate passed legislation to prohibit discrimination and preferential treatment in state government, public schools and state-supported institutions of higher education.
The written intent of Senate Bill 3 is “to prohibit discrimination by public entities on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.”
The bill allows people to sue for injunctive relief, court costs and attorneys’ fees if they believe their rights have been impacted. Anyone who knowingly violates the act would be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
In 2023 the Senate approved a similar bill, SB 71. The House defeated it, but this year’s version passed by a greater margin. The Senate approved SB 3 by a vote of 24-to-7 and two years ago SB 71 was approved by a vote of 18-to-12.
In other business the Senate Committee on Public Health endorsed legislation meant to expand consumer access to pharmacies when they’re in the hospital. SB 58 would repeal a prohibition now in state law that prevents non-profit hospitals from having a pharmacy licensed to sell retail drugs.
Arkansas is the only state in the country with such a prohibition, according to the bill’s supporters. They say it should be easier for patients to purchase necessary medications when they are discharged from the hospital.
The House approved a bill being referred to as “tort reform light.” It is HB 1204 to limit damages that some injured plaintiffs can recover in civil lawsuits.
The bill would allow plaintiffs to recover only what insurance companies have paid for medical treatment, not the amount charged by hospitals and physicians.
Sometimes insurers have a contract with medical providers that allow for payments lower than the original charges for services rendered. Sometimes a plaintiff receives an amount equal to what was charged, rather than what the insurance company actually paid. That difference is known as “phantom damages.”
Students’ access to cell phones during the school day would be restricted under SB 142, which was filed and referred to the Senate Education Committee. It’s called the “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act” and it has 15 Senate sponsors.
One purpose is to improve academic performance by removing distractions from the classroom. Another goal is to improve the emotional and mental health of teenagers who spend too much time on social media.
Arkansas schools and the legislature have already begun work on the issue. Last year lawmakers approved using $7 million to help schools pay for pouches and storage lockers to keep students’ cell phones during the day.
Some parents have said they want their children to have cell phones handy in case of an incident like a school shooting. However, some school safety experts say that cell phones distract students even during shootings, because they focus on texting loved ones instead of following directions and moving to safe locations.
Arkansas House of Representatives
As the Arkansas House of Representatives enters the 5th week of the 2025 Regular Session, several key pieces of legislation have moved forward, addressing issues ranging from food freedom to healthcare access and election policy.
One measure that received House approval, HB1149, ensures that counties and municipalities cannot impose regulations on vegetable gardens located on residential properties. This bill upholds the right of homeowners to cultivate their own produce without restrictions. Similarly, the House passed HB1048, which expands opportunities for small farmers by allowing the sale of unpasteurized milk at farmers’ markets or through direct delivery from the farm where it is produced.
Healthcare policy also saw legislative action this week. HB1181 allows certified nurse midwives to admit and discharge patients from licensed hospitals if granted privileges, improving maternal healthcare access. Additionally, HB1309 clarifies cost-sharing requirements for breast cancer examinations.
The House also passed HB1221 this week, which limits the validity of ballot initiative titles and petition signatures to the election cycle in which they are approved and collected.
In addition, the House also passed SB3, a bill that seeks to eliminate affirmative action programs in state government. The proposed legislation states that the state shall not discriminate against or grant preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in matters related to state employment, public education, or state procurement.
The House also took up legislation impacting seasonal commerce, approving HB1324 to adjust the permissible sales period for fireworks. This bill moves the start date for summer fireworks sales from June 20 to June 13 while keeping the existing winter sales period unchanged.
In the week ahead, the House expects to address cell phone restrictions in schools and free breakfast for students. You can watch all House committee meetings and House floor proceedings at www.arkansashouse.org.
Governor Bill Signings
Little Rock, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – February 8, 2025 – On Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Governor signed into law:
SB61 – An act to authorize veterinary telemedicine in this state; to set certain standards for veterinary telemedicine; and for other purposes.
SB68 – An act to allow veterinary technicians, veterinary technologists, and veterinary technician specialists to go to a location other than the location of the supervising veterinarian to provide services based on an emergency call; and for other purposes.
HB1046 – An act to establish a blue envelope program; and for other purposes.
SB18 – An act to amend Arkansas law concerning reports by the legislative auditor of improper or illegal practices; and for other purposes.
SB56 – An act concerning the evaluation, extension and repeal of administrative rules; and for other purposes.
HB1135 – An act to allow the issuance of a digitized identification card; to amend the law concerning the fee for issuance of a digitized driver’s license or digitized identification card; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes.
SB70 – An act to amend the law concerning standards for insurance policies; to revise the notice requirements of an insurer for a premium increase; and for other purposes.
SB76 – An act to amend the law concerning miscellaneous prohibited practices under the Arkansas insurance code; to clarify the fees collected by certain brokers; and for other purposes.
On Monday, February 3, 2025, the Governor signed into law:
HB1005 – An act regarding higher education; to amend the law regarding tuition waivers for Arkansas National Guard soldiers and airmen to include programs of study leading to a postsecondary certificate or credential; and for other purposes.
HB1006 – An act to redesignate the fourteenth judicial district as a division a judicial district as it relates to prosecuting attorneys; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes.
SCR1 – To adopt the joint rules of the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Ninety-Fifth General Assembly.