Andrew Collins, D-Little Rock, asks a question about Senate Bill 3, which would “prohibit discrimination or preferential treatment” by public entities, during a legislative committee meeting on Feb. 5, 2025. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)
We’re officially a month into the 2025 legislative session, and the governor has not yet presented her anticipated higher education reform bill. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders did, however, make progress this week on other priorities highlighted in her State of the State address.
Bills to restrict cellphone usage in K-12 public schools, provide free breakfast to all students and criminalize unlawful squatting were introduced into committees and are making their way through the Legislature without significant pushback.
Sanders also announced new legislation that aims to address the state’s poor maternal health outcomes, as well as a bill that lays the groundwork for bringing lift-access downhill mountain bike parks to Arkansas. Plans are underway to bring such parks to Mena and Bella Vista, Sanders announced during a Natural State Day at the Capitol event Tuesday.
“Arkansas tourism is at an inflection point,” she said. “We are uniquely situated in the Heartland to offer world-class hiking, biking, climbing, floating, boating, hunting and fishing to millions of Americans.”
Unrelated to her stated goals for the session, Sanders also announced legislation this week that would address a budget impasse in Jefferson County, which has resulted in public employees not receiving pay this year, even though they’ve continued to provide services to the community.
1) Diversity debate
Despite several members of the public and Legislature voicing concerns that it would impede opportunities for minority groups — including disabled Arkansans, women and African Americans — the Arkansas House passed Senate Bill 3 Thursday.
Lawmakers’ approval of the bill, which would “prohibit discrimination or preferential treatment” by public entities is a reversal from the 2023 legislative session when a similar piece of legislation failed in the House.
SB 3 differs slightly from the previous bill because it specifically states it’s not meant to affect preferences provided to veterans under law based on their status as veterans. The bill returns to the Senate for consideration because it was amended.
Jonesboro Republican Rep. Dan Sullivan sponsored both bills.
2) Baby Olivia
A proposal to require students in health and safety courses to watch a specific human development video starting in fifth grade stirred up some controversy when it was presented in committee this week.
House Bill 1180 opponents argued the “Meet Baby Olivia” video, which was developed by anti-abortion group Live Action, is biased because it was produced by a partisan organization and contains medical inaccuracies.
Concerns were also raised about the video’s age-appropriateness and a lack of language within the bill that would permit parents to opt their child out of the lesson. Lead sponsor Rep. Mary Bentley, R-Perryville, said that policy already exists for sex education discussion, though Bentley noted the video does not show “the procreative act.”
Sex education is not required in Arkansas schools, but when it’s taught, state law dictates an emphasis on abstinence.
Despite concerns about “propaganda,” the Arkansas House on Thursday approved the bill, which will next be heard by a Senate committee.
3) Personal injury
State lawmakers are sending a bill to the governor’s desk that would decrease the amount plaintiffs could receive in personal injury cases. Although House Bill 1204, sponsored by Rep. Jon Eubanks, R-Paris, doesn’t use these specific terms, lawmakers have referred to the bill as “tort reform.”
Opponents of the bill argued it would help insurance companies and hurt Arkansans who pay their monthly premiums. Supporters of the legislation said it would ensure that damages awarded to an injured person do not exceed what they actually paid for medical treatment and procedures.
With a close vote of 18-17 in the Senate Thursday, HB 1204 eked out just enough votes to be sent to Sanders for her signature.
4) New Bills
Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Jonesboro, this week filed legislation to abolish the Arkansas State Library Board and the Arkansas Educational Television Commission that oversees Arkansas PBS. The bills were not a surprise given that Sullivan has been a long-time critic of both independent agencies.
These were two of the more than 100 bills and resolutions filed by lawmakers this week. Other proposed legislation included:
House Bill 1408 by Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Knoxville, would allow qualifying patients or designated caregivers to purchase medical marijuana using a flexible spending account or a health savings account.
House Bill 1422, also known as the Only Citizens Vote Act, by Rep. Wayne Long, R-Bradford, would require a monthly report listing the names of each driver’s license holder who has a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant visa or status. If they are found in the registered voter records, their voter registration would be canceled and their license suspended. Federal law already bars noncitizens from voting in federal elections.
Senate Bill 189 by Sen. Alan Clark, R-Lonsdale, would authorize ivermectin for human use to be sold without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare professional. The antiparisitic is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat certain parasites in animals and humans. Ivermectin was touted as a treatment for COVID-19 without clinical proof of its effectiveness.
Senate Joint Resolution 10 by Sen. Bryan King, R-Green Forest, proposes amending the Arkansas Constitution concerning efficiency in government and to provide for the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency. State legislators can refer up to three constitutional amendments to Arkansas voters each election cycle.
Arkansas lawmakers will resume their work at the Capitol Monday morning. Updated meeting schedules and agendas, as well as links to livestreams of meetings are available here.
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