BILL TRACKER

Welcome to Opportunity Arkansas's bill tracker, where we closely monitor key pieces of legislation.

This tracker will be updated on a regular basis throughout legislative session to reflect new bills being filed and changes to the status of existing bills.

All bills are scored on a letter grading system by Opportunity Arkansas staff according to the following criteria:

A = Entirely moves Arkansas in the right direction
B = Mostly moves Arkansas in the right direction, but could use some slight improvements
C = A mixed bag, with some good and some not-so-good provisions
D = Mostly moves Arkansas in the wrong direction
F = Entirely moves Arkansas in the wrong direction
N/A = Not applicable (e.g. in the case of shell bills that have not been fully drafted yet)

We are generally tracking and scoring bills that fall within our six major policy areas, as outlined on our Roadmap to Opportunity 2023.

If we are missing bills of importance that you think we should weigh in on, please drop us a note on our Contact page.

94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2023)

NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1032

DATE FILED

3/17/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. L. Fite

STATUS

On Governor's Desk

DESCRIPTION

Increases the homestead property tax credit across the board by $50

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This bill would offer property tax relief to Arkansans.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB90

DATE FILED

3/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Hill & Rep. Underwood

STATUS

In Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee

DESCRIPTION

Creates an automatic and expedited occupational licensing process

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would improve the licensure process for individuals moving to Arkansas and allow them to obtain an occupational license more expeditiously. UPDATE: This score was updated from a "B" to an "A" to reflect additional changes made via a Senate amendment that substantially improved the automatic approval components of the legislation.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1046

DATE FILED

3/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Ray

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Eliminates the gross receipts tax for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB306

DATE FILED

3/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Dismang

STATUS

In House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee

DESCRIPTION

Significantly expands welare by raising the food stamp asset limit

RATING

F

ANALYSIS

This would increase Arkansas's food stamp asset limit by more than 350% (from $2,750 to $12,500), and adjust it for inflation annually. As a result, the number of individuals trapped on welfare would increase dramatically.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1490

DATE FILED

3/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Collins

STATUS

Withdrawn

DESCRIPTION

Creates a sales tax exemption for the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB313

DATE FILED

3/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Petty & Rep. John Carr

STATUS

On Governor's Desk

DESCRIPTION

Allows a military retiree or survivor to receive the full income tax exemption for retirement benefits

RATING

B

ANALYSIS

While this would provide marginal tax relief to a smaller portion of the population, it is a step in the right direction towards greater income tax relief for Arkansans--specifically those who have served our country.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB369

DATE FILED

3/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Dotson

STATUS

In House Education Committee

DESCRIPTION

Makes various changes to career and technical education

RATING

B

ANALYSIS

This would make modest improvements to the state's coordination of career and technical education
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1594

DATE FILED

3/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Duffield & Sen. Flippo

STATUS

House Floor

DESCRIPTION

Creates a sales tax exemption for the Disabled Veterans of Americans

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

While well intentioned, this would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1669

DATE FILED

3/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Waves certain fees and defer state income taxes for businesses created within the last five years

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would create important waivers of fees and a deferral of state income taxes to help new Arkansas businesses thrive in their first five years of existence.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1661

DATE FILED

3/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Underwood

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Eliminates the sales tax on food and groceries

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would eliminate the unnecessary broad-based sales tax that Arkansans are forced to pay on food and groceries, helping the state join a majority of other states that already do not tax food and groceries.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1663

DATE FILED

3/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Gazaway

STATUS

In House Judiciary Committee

DESCRIPTION

Creates a new crime of knowingly exposing another person to fentanyl

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would help crack down on fentanyl distribution and related crimes by creating the offense of knowingly exposing a person to fentanyl, with serious penalties for violators
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1654

DATE FILED

3/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Dismang

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Creates a new sales tax exemption for data centers

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1655

DATE FILED

3/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo

STATUS

In House Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development

DESCRIPTION

Encourages the State to award a minimum amount of procurement contracts to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would help support newly-created Arkansas businesses by directing at least 5% of state contracts to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1657

DATE FILED

3/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo

STATUS

In House Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development

DESCRIPTION

Encourages the State to award a minimum amount of workforce development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would help support newly-created Arkansas businesses by directing at least 5% of workforce development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1659

DATE FILED

3/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo

STATUS

In House Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development

DESCRIPTION

Encourages the State to award a minimum amount of economic development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would help support newly-created Arkansas businesses by directing at least 5% of economic development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1207

DATE FILED

3/15/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Underwood & Sen. Gilmore

STATUS

In Senate City, County & Local Affairs Committee

DESCRIPTION

Speeds up the processing of local permits for economic development

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would improve the speed of local economic growth and ensure local bureaucracy does not slow down private enterprise unnecessarily.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1443

DATE FILED

3/15/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. C. Fite & Sen. Irvin

STATUS

In Senate Judiciary Committee

DESCRIPTION

Clarifies that victims of misdemeanor crimes have certain rights

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would improve the rights of certain crime victims in Arkansas by clarifying that victims of misdemeanor offenses have certain victim-related rights by virtue of being a victim of a crime.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1510

DATE FILED

3/15/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Ray & Sen. Payton

STATUS

On Governor's Desk

DESCRIPTION

Restricts the instances in which special elections may be held and requires local referedums to occur in November

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would align local referendums--such as on tax issues--with high turnout elections and prevent localities from attempting to pass bad public policy during times of low voter turnout
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1516

DATE FILED

3/15/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. English

STATUS

In House Education Committee

DESCRIPTION

Allows public schools to partner with subject matter experts and create an income tax credit for businesses that loan subject matter experts to public schools

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would improve real-world, hands-on educational opportunities for Arkansas students by encouraging subject matter experts in the business community to assist in teaching.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1575

DATE FILED

3/15/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Burkes & Sen. Penzo

STATUS

In Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee

DESCRIPTION

Increases work search requirements for individuals receiving unemployment compensation

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would strengthen Arkansas's workforce by requiring all individuals receiving unemployment compensation to make at least 5 job search contacts per week--and to increase audits of these contacts--in order to help fill the nearly 100,000 open jobs in Arkansas
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1639

DATE FILED

3/15/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. McCollum & Sen. Penzo

STATUS

In House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative, and Military Affairs Committee

DESCRIPTION

Codifies and establishes a broad array of best interest guiding principles for foster care and other cases of child placement

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would create several key guiding principles for the purpose of determining foster care nad other child placement decisions, helping to align placement decisions with important goals like family integrity, health and safety of the child, timely permanency decisions, the availability of a relative caregiver, and the goal of the child to become a self-sufficient adult.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB232

DATE FILED

3/14/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Clark

STATUS

Signed into Law

DESCRIPTION

Allows students to complete school at their old school if their family relocates

RATING

B

ANALYSIS

While the impact is likely somewhat constrained, it would provide additional choice for families that relocate to a different school district by giving them the option for their child to remain enrolled in his or her old school district, therefore expanding educational freedom
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB294

DATE FILED

3/14/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Davis & Rep. Brooks

STATUS

Signed into Law

DESCRIPTION

Creates the Arkansas LEARNS Act

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would make several changes to Arkansas's educational system, including adopting the largest expansion of educational freedom in state history
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB403

DATE FILED

3/14/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. B. Johnson & Rep. Vaught

STATUS

Senate Floor

DESCRIPTION

Consolidates and abolishes several agriculture-related boards and commissions

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would improve the efficiency of state government by consolidating and abolishing several unneeded state boards and commissions
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1204

DATE FILED

3/13/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Wooten

STATUS

In House Education Committee

DESCRIPTION

Requires private schools to administer an annual assessment and admit every student who applies to attend with state funding

RATING

F

ANALYSIS

This places additional mandates and requirements on non-public schools that would be harmful to their goals.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1401

DATE FILED

3/13/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Burkes & Sen. Penzo

STATUS

Signed into Law

DESCRIPTION

Reduces the maximum duration households with able-bodied adults can remain on cash welfare from 24 months to 12 months

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This significantly reduces welfare dependency in Arkansas by encouraging folks to move from welfare to work more quickly via a reduction in the maximum time limit for cash welfare for households with able-bodied adults
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1587

DATE FILED

3/9/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Wooten

STATUS

In House Education Committee

DESCRIPTION

Requires home schools receiving public funds to administer an annual exam

RATING

F

ANALYSIS

This unnecessarily increases requirements on home schools without a corresponding increase in school choice, and ignores the improvements made to the process in the recently-signed AR LEARNS legislation
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1585

DATE FILED

3/9/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Maddox & Sen. Hill

STATUS

In House Insurance and Commerce Committee

DESCRIPTION

Requires food delivery companies to carry insurance on vehicles used for food delivery

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would impose onerous insurance requirements on food delivery companies that could overregulate and unnecessarily harm an emerging industry, with costs passed onto consumers.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1523

DATE FILED

3/8/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. K. Moore & Sen. Dismang

STATUS

In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee

DESCRIPTION

Expands an existing sales tax exemption to cover more youth organizations in Arkansas

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would expand another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1452

DATE FILED

3/7/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Gonzales

STATUS

In Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee

DESCRIPTION

Requires hospitals to comply with federal price transparency requirements

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would require Arkansas hospitals to comply with federal price transparency requirements and fine them for non-compliance. Hospitals recieve significant amounts of Arkansas taxpayer funding, and greater clarity on their pricing would improve health care affordability and options for members of the Arkansas workforce.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1465

DATE FILED

3/7/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Crawford

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Creates a sales tax exemption for disabled veterans

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

While well intentioned, this would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB304

DATE FILED

3/7/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Stone & Rep. Gonzales

STATUS

Withdrawn

DESCRIPTION

Eases requirements for terminating problematic superintendents

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would increase accountability in Arkansas's education system by easing the requirements for terminating problematic superintendents
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1027

DATE FILED

3/6/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Ray & Sen. M. Johnson

STATUS

Signed into Law

DESCRIPTION

Requires certain local taxes to be put before voters and have the vote aligned with major elections

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This bill would give Arkansans a voice in local efforts to raise taxes on food and lodging and ensure these elections take place in higher-turnout environments.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1340

DATE FILED

3/6/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Tosh & Sen. Wallace

STATUS

Signed into Law

DESCRIPTION

Disregards veterans disability benefits from counting against eligibility for food stamps

RATING

F

ANALYSIS

This legislation would constitute an expansion of welfare in Arkansas at a time when nearly one in ten Arkansans are on food stamps.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1430

DATE FILED

3/6/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. Hammer

STATUS

Signed into Law

DESCRIPTION

Makes several changes to unemployment insurance

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would substantially improve the state's unemployment system, reduce dependency, and bolster the workforce by cutting the maximum duration of unemployment benefits from 16 weeks to 12 weeks, reforming unemployment taxes, and more.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB360

DATE FILED

3/6/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Gillmore

STATUS

In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee

DESCRIPTION

Provides a sales tax exemption for textbooks, library books, and other instructional materials purchased at a library

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1492

DATE FILED

2/28/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. English

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Amends and increases the income tax credit for youth apprenticeship programs

RATING

B

ANALYSIS

While the changes of this legislation are somewhat marginal, it would still be a positive step toward promoting apprenticeships and workforce development.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1196

DATE FILED

2/27/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Underwood & Sen. Gilmore

STATUS

Signed into Law

DESCRIPTION

Creates work requirements for able-bodied adults in public housing

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This bill would help move individuals from welfare to work and end the cycle of dependency in taxpayer-funded housing.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB193

DATE FILED

2/27/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Hill & Rep. Eubanks

STATUS

Signed into Law

DESCRIPTION

Streamlines occupational licensing for servicemembers

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would streamline the occupational licensing process for servicemembers by allowing national credentials to count towards occupational licensing requirements, extend felexibilities to military spouses, and remove an artbitrary one-year limit for veterans to apply service-related education
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1506

DATE FILED

2/27/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Beaty Jr. & Sen Gilmore

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Creates a sales tax exemption for parts used for agricultural and timber equipment and machinary repairs

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1185

DATE FILED

2/24/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Mayberry & Sen. Clark

STATUS

Signed into Law

DESCRIPTION

Waives a district cap on public school choice in certain situations

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This bill would expand public school choice and improve educational freedom.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB 1029

DATE FILED

2/22/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Meeks

STATUS

In House Management Committee

DESCRIPTION

Limits early release for sex offenders

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This bill would help prevent crime by limiting the early release of sex offenders.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1026

DATE FILED

2/21/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Ray & Sen. Payton

STATUS

Signed into Law

DESCRIPTION

Prohibits localities from implementing an income tax

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This bill would preemptively protect Arkansans from locally-imposed income taxes.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1197

DATE FILED

2/21/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Underwood & Sen. Gilmore

STATUS

Signed into Law

DESCRIPTION

Disqualifies unemployment recipients for a period of time if they fail accept a job offer or appear for a job interview

RATING

C

ANALYSIS

This bill would improve program integrity in the state's unemployment system by ensuring individuals are not taking advantage of the unemployment system. UPDATE: The score was updated from a "A" to a "C" because it removed that the proposed requirement that a prospective requirement must report ghosting of an employer by an individual receiving unemployment insurance.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1478

DATE FILED

2/21/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Eaves & Sen. B. Johnson

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Increases eligibility for the commercial jet aircraft sales tax exemption

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would exacerbate an existing costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1476

DATE FILED

2/21/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Gilmore

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Creates a sales tax exemption for electricity sold to data centers

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB283/HB1456

DATE FILED

2/20/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Gilmore & Rep. Gazaway

STATUS

In House/Senate Judiciary Committee

DESCRIPTION

Creates more severe penalties for serious drug-related crimes, including fentanyl trafficking

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would help address drug-related crime by establishing more severe penalties for serious drug-related crimes, including fentanyl trafficking
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1359

DATE FILED

2/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Cavenaugh & Sen. Hammer

STATUS

Reported Correctly Engrossed

DESCRIPTION

Consolidates several boards and commissions

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would improve the efficiency of state government by consolidating and merging several state boards and commissions into a singular entity
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB206

DATE FILED

2/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Penzo & Rep. Beaty Jr.

STATUS

In Senate Education Committee

DESCRIPTION

Makes several changes to school board elections

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would introduce greater accountability in school board elections by reducing the length of school board terms, requiring candidates to identify their party affiliation, aligning school board elections with general elections, and more.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1450

DATE FILED

2/16/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Moore & Sen. Gilmore

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Removes the 10% penalty for businesses not paying estimated quarterly taxes

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would remove an onerous provision on small businesses in Arkansas that requires them to pre-pay estimated quarterly taxes before the revenue is actually collected, and fines them for non-compliance. By removing this penalty, Arkansas businesses could better align their collection of business revenue with payment of taxes.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1043

DATE FILED

2/15/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Berry & Sen. Stubblefield

STATUS

Withdrawn

DESCRIPTION

Minimum sentences for fentanyl-related crimes.

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This bill would combat drug-related crimes by stregthening minimum sentences for fentanyl-related offenses.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB278

DATE FILED

2/15/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. King & Rep. Miller

STATUS

In Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee

DESCRIPTION

Repeals Arkansas's Medicaid "private option"/ARHOMES

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would eliminate Arkansas's Medicaid private option, otherwise known as ARHOMES, which currently places all Medicaid expansion enrollees into expensive qualified health plans. Instead, expansion enrollees would be moved into the conventional fee for service Medicaid program, saving taxpayers tens of millions each year.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HJR1009

DATE FILED

2/14/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. Stubblefield

STATUS

In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee

DESCRIPTION

Provides for the partisan election of judges

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would require candidates for judicial office in Arkansas to declare their party affiliation, providing much-needed transparency to voters on where judges stand on crime-related issues
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1205

DATE FILED

2/13/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Wooten

STATUS

In House Education Committee

DESCRIPTION

Requires all schools that accept state funding to provide transportation to certain students.

RATING

F

ANALYSIS

This legislation will impose additional mandates on non-public schools that could severely hamper their operations.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB256

DATE FILED

2/13/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. B. Johnson & Rep. Beaty Jr.

STATUS

In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee

DESCRIPTION

Includes machinery used in R&D in the sales and use tax exemption for certain machinary and equipment used in manufacturing

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1004

DATE FILED

2/9/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Ray & Sen. M. Johnson

STATUS

Signed into Law

DESCRIPTION

Requires the disclosure of sex offenders' address

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This bill would add transparency for Arkansans living in close proximity to sex offenders, increasing public safety.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB215

DATE FILED

2/8/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Irvin

STATUS

In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee

DESCRIPTION

Eliminates sales and use taxes for working horses and fencing used in commercial agricultural production

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SJR8/HJR1005

DATE FILED

2/8/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Dotson & Rep. Long

STATUS

In Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee

DESCRIPTION

Taxpayers bill of rights and spending cap; shell bill; unclear at this time

RATING

N/A

ANALYSIS

Unclear at this time
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HJR1012

DATE FILED

2/8/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. S. Richardson

STATUS

In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee

DESCRIPTION

Allows the Legislature to create exemptions for property taxes

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

Currently, property tax exemptions require a constitutional amendment. This would advance property tax relief by allowing the Legislature to create property tax exemptions.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SJR11

DATE FILED

2/8/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. King

STATUS

In Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee

DESCRIPTION

Creates a new pardon board

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create a new board to grant pardons, in addition to retaining the Governor's authority to grant pardons. This would lead to another governmental entity that could expand the number of pardons granted.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SJR10

DATE FILED

2/8/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Wallace & Rep. Wardlaw

STATUS

In Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee

DESCRIPTION

Creates a victims' bill of rights

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would provide several rights for victims of crimes in Arkansas, including to be heard in public proceedings, to be given reasonable protection from the accused, to be provided reasonable notice of release of the accused, and more
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1235

DATE FILED

2/7/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Crawford & Sen. Boyd

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Eliminates sales and use taxes for purchases made by a nonprofit that works with Arkansas citizens with developmental disabilities.

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1364

DATE FILED

2/7/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Clowney & Sen. Davis

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Eliminates sales and use tax for breast pumps and related items

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HJR1004

DATE FILED

2/7/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Ray

STATUS

In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee

DESCRIPTION

Requires voter approval for tax increases imposed by the General Assembly

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would strengthen tax relief for Arkansans by creating a Constitutional amendment to provide for voter approval requirement for tax increases imposed by the General Assembly
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HJR1007

DATE FILED

2/7/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. L. Fite & Sen. Hammer

STATUS

In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee

DESCRIPTION

Levies a new excise tax to reimburse counties for the reduction in tax revenue for the homestead property credit

RATING

F

ANALYSIS

This would create a new excise tax of 0.5% on most sales in the state of Arkansas, further raising the cost of living. It would significantly increase Arkansas's tax burden and is an unnecessary policy that would place affordability further out of reach.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1136

DATE FILED

2/6/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Cavenaugh & Sen. Flippo

STATUS

Failed

DESCRIPTION

Removes a "good moral character" requirement for social workers

RATING

B

ANALYSIS

This bill would remote vague and artbitrary language from the licensing process for social workers in order to improve occupational licensure.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1346

DATE FILED

2/2/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Tosh & Sen. Wallace

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Eliminates sales tax for food pantries

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1342

DATE FILED

2/2/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Vaught

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Eliminates sales tax for boat storage, docking fees, and camping spaces

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HJR1002

DATE FILED

1/30/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Meeks

STATUS

In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee

DESCRIPTION

Eliminates all property taxes by 2050 and makes other miscellaneous property tax changes

RATING

C

ANALYSIS

While potentially providing tax relief in the long-run, this legislation would focus on property tax relief in nearly 30 years at the expense of losing the political capital to focus on income tax relief in the nearer future.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1317

DATE FILED

1/30/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Pilkington

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Reduces sales tax rate for natural gas, electricity, and coal used by a data center

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB133

DATE FILED

1/26/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Payton & Rep. Lundstrum

STATUS

In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee

DESCRIPTION

Increases the sales tax exemption for used vehicles

RATING

B

ANALYSIS

While not a full repeal of the sales tax on used vehicles, this would eliminate the special sales tax rate for certain used vehicles, but would exempt the sale of used vehicles of less than $10,000 in value from the state sales tax (an increase from the currently $4,000 exemption threshold).
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB134

DATE FILED

1/26/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Payton & Rep. Maddox

STATUS

In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee

DESCRIPTION

Increases the sales tax exemption for used vehicles

RATING

B

ANALYSIS

While not a full repeal of the sales tax on used vehicles, this would expand the existing $4,000 exemption threshold to $10,000 and only apply the existing threshold to trailers and semitrailers.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1131

DATE FILED

1/25/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Hawk & Sen. Hammer

STATUS

In House Judiciary Committee

DESCRIPTION

Provides child support for those killed in vehicular accidents

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This bill would ensure the victim's children of those killed in vehicular accidents are financially provided for by the perpetrators of these actions.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB89

DATE FILED

1/25/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. English

STATUS

Senate Floor

DESCRIPTION

Allows able-bodied adults to qualify for Arkansas Work Pays without having been receiving Transitional Employment Assistance leading up to the date of qualification

RATING

F

ANALYSIS

This would expand welfare to working able-bodied adults in Arkansas by removing the requirement that Arkansas Works Pays cash welfare recipients must have been recently receiving Transitional Employment Assistance. Under this bill, the welfare program would be opened up to more able-bodied adults in Arkansas who are not subject to an asset test. It would increase welfare costs, water down the existing work requirement, and increase dependency.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1239

DATE FILED

1/24/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Underwood & Sen. Dotson

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Repeals the franchise tax

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This would repeal an unnecessary tax that currently punishes Arkansas businesses on an annual basis for simply existing in the state of Arkansas.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

SB96

DATE FILED

1/23/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Sen. Wallace & Rep. Milligan

STATUS

In Senate Judiciary Committee

DESCRIPTION

Requires a victim to be notified of a sex offender's petition to terminate their obligation to register as a sex offender

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This bill would bring transparency to victims of sex-related crimes in the event a sex offender seeks to have their status eliminated.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HJR1001

DATE FILED

1/23/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Ray & Sen. Gilmore

STATUS

In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee

DESCRIPTION

Amends the Arkansas Constitution to abolish the "Independent Citizens Commission", which has recently proposed significantly hiking Legislator pay

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This resolution would effectively remove the legislative pay setting process from an unnecessary commission that has seeked to raise legislative pay by significant amounts in recent years.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1190

DATE FILED

1/23/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Beck

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Eliminates sales and use taxes for certain utilities used by a swine farm.

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1195

DATE FILED

1/23/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. L. Johnson

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Eliminates sales and use taxes for residential cleaning and janitorial work.

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1194

DATE FILED

1/23/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. L. Johnson & Sen. Payton

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Eliminates sales and use taxes for manufacturers’ rebates on vehicles.

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1172

DATE FILED

1/19/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Vaught & Sen. Dees

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Eliminates sales and use taxes for mortality composting devices sold to a commercial livestock or poultry producer.

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1146

DATE FILED

1/17/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Underwood & Sen. Dotson

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Eliminates sales tax registration fee

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This bill would eliminate an unnecessary tax on Arkansas small businesses, a tax for collecting sales tax.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1116

DATE FILED

1/11/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Cavenaugh & Rep. Vaught

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Income tax credit for seniors equal to property tax payment.

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This bill would effectively insulate seniors from property taxes, offering them significant tax relief.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1011

DATE FILED

1/9/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Pilkington

STATUS

In House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee

DESCRIPTION

Requires Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for depression screening of pregnant women.

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This bill would expand Medicaid benefits and increase costs. Medicaid is a broken welfare program that already traps nearly 1 in 3 Arkansas residents.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1002/SB2

DATE FILED

1/9/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Gazaway & Sen. Gilmore

STATUS

In Committee on House Journal

DESCRIPTION

Parole; unclear at this time

RATING

N/A

ANALYSIS

Unclear at this time. TBD.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1010

DATE FILED

1/9/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Pilkington

STATUS

In House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee

DESCRIPTION

Expands postpartum Medicaid to one year

RATING

F

ANALYSIS

This bill would expand Medicaid, a broken welfare program that already traps nearly 1 in 3 residents.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1012

DATE FILED

1/9/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Ray

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Expands state income tax deduction

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This bill would offer income tax relief to Arkansans, some of the most heavily taxed workers in the country.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1016

DATE FILED

1/9/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Ray & Sen. Dismang

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Removes cap on standard deduction increases due to inflation & ties increases to a better inflation measure

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This bill would offer income tax relief to Arkansans and protect inflation from eroding future relief.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1097

DATE FILED

1/9/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Ray

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Cuts top marginal income rate

RATING

A

ANALYSIS

This bill would provide significant and lasting income tax relief for untold numbers of Arkansans, some of the highest taxed workers in the country.
NEW
MOVEMENT

BILL NUMBER

HB1089

DATE FILED

1/9/2023

LEAD SPONSOR

Rep. Fite & Sen. Petty

STATUS

In House Revenue and Taxation Committee

DESCRIPTION

Eliminates sales and use taxes for purchases made by the Morgan Nick Foundation.

RATING

D

ANALYSIS

This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
BILL NO.
DESCRIPTION
LATEST ACTIVITY
LEAD SPONSOR
STATUS
RATING
NEW
MOVEMENT
Increases the homestead property tax credit across the board by $50
3/17/2023
Rep. L. Fite
On Governor's Desk
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would offer property tax relief to Arkansans.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Creates an automatic and expedited occupational licensing process
3/16/2023
Sen. Hill & Rep. Underwood
In Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would improve the licensure process for individuals moving to Arkansas and allow them to obtain an occupational license more expeditiously. UPDATE: This score was updated from a "B" to an "A" to reflect additional changes made via a Senate amendment that substantially improved the automatic approval components of the legislation.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Eliminates the gross receipts tax for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
3/16/2023
Rep. Ray
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Significantly expands welare by raising the food stamp asset limit
3/16/2023
Sen. Dismang
In House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
F
ANALYSIS
This would increase Arkansas's food stamp asset limit by more than 350% (from $2,750 to $12,500), and adjust it for inflation annually. As a result, the number of individuals trapped on welfare would increase dramatically.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Creates a sales tax exemption for the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
3/16/2023
Rep. Collins
Withdrawn
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Allows a military retiree or survivor to receive the full income tax exemption for retirement benefits
3/16/2023
Sen. Petty & Rep. John Carr
On Governor's Desk
B
ANALYSIS
While this would provide marginal tax relief to a smaller portion of the population, it is a step in the right direction towards greater income tax relief for Arkansans--specifically those who have served our country.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Makes various changes to career and technical education
3/16/2023
Sen. Dotson
In House Education Committee
B
ANALYSIS
This would make modest improvements to the state's coordination of career and technical education
NEW
MOVEMENT
Creates a sales tax exemption for the Disabled Veterans of Americans
3/16/2023
Rep. Duffield & Sen. Flippo
House Floor
D
ANALYSIS
While well intentioned, this would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Waves certain fees and defer state income taxes for businesses created within the last five years
3/16/2023
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would create important waivers of fees and a deferral of state income taxes to help new Arkansas businesses thrive in their first five years of existence.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Eliminates the sales tax on food and groceries
3/16/2023
Rep. Underwood
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would eliminate the unnecessary broad-based sales tax that Arkansans are forced to pay on food and groceries, helping the state join a majority of other states that already do not tax food and groceries.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Creates a new crime of knowingly exposing another person to fentanyl
3/16/2023
Rep. Gazaway
In House Judiciary Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would help crack down on fentanyl distribution and related crimes by creating the offense of knowingly exposing a person to fentanyl, with serious penalties for violators
NEW
MOVEMENT
Creates a new sales tax exemption for data centers
3/16/2023
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Dismang
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Encourages the State to award a minimum amount of procurement contracts to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years
3/16/2023
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo
In House Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development
A
ANALYSIS
This would help support newly-created Arkansas businesses by directing at least 5% of state contracts to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years
NEW
MOVEMENT
Encourages the State to award a minimum amount of workforce development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years
3/16/2023
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo
In House Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development
A
ANALYSIS
This would help support newly-created Arkansas businesses by directing at least 5% of workforce development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years
NEW
MOVEMENT
Encourages the State to award a minimum amount of economic development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years
3/16/2023
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Penzo
In House Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development
A
ANALYSIS
This would help support newly-created Arkansas businesses by directing at least 5% of economic development funds to Arkansas businesses created within the last five years
NEW
MOVEMENT
Speeds up the processing of local permits for economic development
3/15/2023
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Gilmore
In Senate City, County & Local Affairs Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would improve the speed of local economic growth and ensure local bureaucracy does not slow down private enterprise unnecessarily.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Clarifies that victims of misdemeanor crimes have certain rights
3/15/2023
Rep. C. Fite & Sen. Irvin
In Senate Judiciary Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would improve the rights of certain crime victims in Arkansas by clarifying that victims of misdemeanor offenses have certain victim-related rights by virtue of being a victim of a crime.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Restricts the instances in which special elections may be held and requires local referedums to occur in November
3/15/2023
Rep. Ray & Sen. Payton
On Governor's Desk
A
ANALYSIS
This would align local referendums--such as on tax issues--with high turnout elections and prevent localities from attempting to pass bad public policy during times of low voter turnout
NEW
MOVEMENT
Allows public schools to partner with subject matter experts and create an income tax credit for businesses that loan subject matter experts to public schools
3/15/2023
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. English
In House Education Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would improve real-world, hands-on educational opportunities for Arkansas students by encouraging subject matter experts in the business community to assist in teaching.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Increases work search requirements for individuals receiving unemployment compensation
3/15/2023
Rep. Burkes & Sen. Penzo
In Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would strengthen Arkansas's workforce by requiring all individuals receiving unemployment compensation to make at least 5 job search contacts per week--and to increase audits of these contacts--in order to help fill the nearly 100,000 open jobs in Arkansas
NEW
MOVEMENT
Codifies and establishes a broad array of best interest guiding principles for foster care and other cases of child placement
3/15/2023
Rep. McCollum & Sen. Penzo
In House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative, and Military Affairs Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would create several key guiding principles for the purpose of determining foster care nad other child placement decisions, helping to align placement decisions with important goals like family integrity, health and safety of the child, timely permanency decisions, the availability of a relative caregiver, and the goal of the child to become a self-sufficient adult.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Allows students to complete school at their old school if their family relocates
3/14/2023
Sen. Clark
Signed into Law
B
ANALYSIS
While the impact is likely somewhat constrained, it would provide additional choice for families that relocate to a different school district by giving them the option for their child to remain enrolled in his or her old school district, therefore expanding educational freedom
NEW
MOVEMENT
Creates the Arkansas LEARNS Act
3/14/2023
Sen. Davis & Rep. Brooks
Signed into Law
A
ANALYSIS
This would make several changes to Arkansas's educational system, including adopting the largest expansion of educational freedom in state history
NEW
MOVEMENT
Consolidates and abolishes several agriculture-related boards and commissions
3/14/2023
Sen. B. Johnson & Rep. Vaught
Senate Floor
A
ANALYSIS
This would improve the efficiency of state government by consolidating and abolishing several unneeded state boards and commissions
NEW
MOVEMENT
Requires private schools to administer an annual assessment and admit every student who applies to attend with state funding
3/13/2023
Rep. Wooten
In House Education Committee
F
ANALYSIS
This places additional mandates and requirements on non-public schools that would be harmful to their goals.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Reduces the maximum duration households with able-bodied adults can remain on cash welfare from 24 months to 12 months
3/13/2023
Rep. Burkes & Sen. Penzo
Signed into Law
A
ANALYSIS
This significantly reduces welfare dependency in Arkansas by encouraging folks to move from welfare to work more quickly via a reduction in the maximum time limit for cash welfare for households with able-bodied adults
NEW
MOVEMENT
Requires home schools receiving public funds to administer an annual exam
3/9/2023
Rep. Wooten
In House Education Committee
F
ANALYSIS
This unnecessarily increases requirements on home schools without a corresponding increase in school choice, and ignores the improvements made to the process in the recently-signed AR LEARNS legislation
NEW
MOVEMENT
Requires food delivery companies to carry insurance on vehicles used for food delivery
3/9/2023
Rep. Maddox & Sen. Hill
In House Insurance and Commerce Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would impose onerous insurance requirements on food delivery companies that could overregulate and unnecessarily harm an emerging industry, with costs passed onto consumers.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Expands an existing sales tax exemption to cover more youth organizations in Arkansas
3/8/2023
Rep. K. Moore & Sen. Dismang
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would expand another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Requires hospitals to comply with federal price transparency requirements
3/7/2023
Rep. Gonzales
In Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would require Arkansas hospitals to comply with federal price transparency requirements and fine them for non-compliance. Hospitals recieve significant amounts of Arkansas taxpayer funding, and greater clarity on their pricing would improve health care affordability and options for members of the Arkansas workforce.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Creates a sales tax exemption for disabled veterans
3/7/2023
Rep. Crawford
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
While well intentioned, this would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Eases requirements for terminating problematic superintendents
3/7/2023
Sen. Stone & Rep. Gonzales
Withdrawn
A
ANALYSIS
This would increase accountability in Arkansas's education system by easing the requirements for terminating problematic superintendents
NEW
MOVEMENT
Requires certain local taxes to be put before voters and have the vote aligned with major elections
3/6/2023
Rep. Ray & Sen. M. Johnson
Signed into Law
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would give Arkansans a voice in local efforts to raise taxes on food and lodging and ensure these elections take place in higher-turnout environments.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Disregards veterans disability benefits from counting against eligibility for food stamps
3/6/2023
Rep. Tosh & Sen. Wallace
Signed into Law
F
ANALYSIS
This legislation would constitute an expansion of welfare in Arkansas at a time when nearly one in ten Arkansans are on food stamps.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Makes several changes to unemployment insurance
3/6/2023
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. Hammer
Signed into Law
A
ANALYSIS
This would substantially improve the state's unemployment system, reduce dependency, and bolster the workforce by cutting the maximum duration of unemployment benefits from 16 weeks to 12 weeks, reforming unemployment taxes, and more.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Provides a sales tax exemption for textbooks, library books, and other instructional materials purchased at a library
3/6/2023
Sen. Gillmore
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Amends and increases the income tax credit for youth apprenticeship programs
2/28/2023
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. English
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
B
ANALYSIS
While the changes of this legislation are somewhat marginal, it would still be a positive step toward promoting apprenticeships and workforce development.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Creates work requirements for able-bodied adults in public housing
2/27/2023
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Gilmore
Signed into Law
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would help move individuals from welfare to work and end the cycle of dependency in taxpayer-funded housing.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Streamlines occupational licensing for servicemembers
2/27/2023
Sen. Hill & Rep. Eubanks
Signed into Law
A
ANALYSIS
This would streamline the occupational licensing process for servicemembers by allowing national credentials to count towards occupational licensing requirements, extend felexibilities to military spouses, and remove an artbitrary one-year limit for veterans to apply service-related education
NEW
MOVEMENT
Creates a sales tax exemption for parts used for agricultural and timber equipment and machinary repairs
2/27/2023
Rep. Beaty Jr. & Sen Gilmore
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Waives a district cap on public school choice in certain situations
2/24/2023
Rep. Mayberry & Sen. Clark
Signed into Law
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would expand public school choice and improve educational freedom.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Limits early release for sex offenders
2/22/2023
Rep. Meeks
In House Management Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would help prevent crime by limiting the early release of sex offenders.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Prohibits localities from implementing an income tax
2/21/2023
Rep. Ray & Sen. Payton
Signed into Law
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would preemptively protect Arkansans from locally-imposed income taxes.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Disqualifies unemployment recipients for a period of time if they fail accept a job offer or appear for a job interview
2/21/2023
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Gilmore
Signed into Law
C
ANALYSIS
This bill would improve program integrity in the state's unemployment system by ensuring individuals are not taking advantage of the unemployment system. UPDATE: The score was updated from a "A" to a "C" because it removed that the proposed requirement that a prospective requirement must report ghosting of an employer by an individual receiving unemployment insurance.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Increases eligibility for the commercial jet aircraft sales tax exemption
2/21/2023
Rep. Eaves & Sen. B. Johnson
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would exacerbate an existing costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Creates a sales tax exemption for electricity sold to data centers
2/21/2023
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Gilmore
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Creates more severe penalties for serious drug-related crimes, including fentanyl trafficking
2/20/2023
Sen. Gilmore & Rep. Gazaway
In House/Senate Judiciary Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would help address drug-related crime by establishing more severe penalties for serious drug-related crimes, including fentanyl trafficking
NEW
MOVEMENT
Consolidates several boards and commissions
2/16/2023
Rep. Cavenaugh & Sen. Hammer
Reported Correctly Engrossed
A
ANALYSIS
This would improve the efficiency of state government by consolidating and merging several state boards and commissions into a singular entity
NEW
MOVEMENT
Makes several changes to school board elections
2/16/2023
Sen. Penzo & Rep. Beaty Jr.
In Senate Education Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would introduce greater accountability in school board elections by reducing the length of school board terms, requiring candidates to identify their party affiliation, aligning school board elections with general elections, and more.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Removes the 10% penalty for businesses not paying estimated quarterly taxes
2/16/2023
Rep. Moore & Sen. Gilmore
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would remove an onerous provision on small businesses in Arkansas that requires them to pre-pay estimated quarterly taxes before the revenue is actually collected, and fines them for non-compliance. By removing this penalty, Arkansas businesses could better align their collection of business revenue with payment of taxes.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Minimum sentences for fentanyl-related crimes.
2/15/2023
Rep. Berry & Sen. Stubblefield
Withdrawn
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would combat drug-related crimes by stregthening minimum sentences for fentanyl-related offenses.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Repeals Arkansas's Medicaid "private option"/ARHOMES
2/15/2023
Sen. King & Rep. Miller
In Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would eliminate Arkansas's Medicaid private option, otherwise known as ARHOMES, which currently places all Medicaid expansion enrollees into expensive qualified health plans. Instead, expansion enrollees would be moved into the conventional fee for service Medicaid program, saving taxpayers tens of millions each year.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Provides for the partisan election of judges
2/14/2023
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. Stubblefield
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would require candidates for judicial office in Arkansas to declare their party affiliation, providing much-needed transparency to voters on where judges stand on crime-related issues
NEW
MOVEMENT
Requires all schools that accept state funding to provide transportation to certain students.
2/13/2023
Rep. Wooten
In House Education Committee
F
ANALYSIS
This legislation will impose additional mandates on non-public schools that could severely hamper their operations.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Includes machinery used in R&D in the sales and use tax exemption for certain machinary and equipment used in manufacturing
2/13/2023
Sen. B. Johnson & Rep. Beaty Jr.
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Requires the disclosure of sex offenders' address
2/9/2023
Rep. Ray & Sen. M. Johnson
Signed into Law
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would add transparency for Arkansans living in close proximity to sex offenders, increasing public safety.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Eliminates sales and use taxes for working horses and fencing used in commercial agricultural production
2/8/2023
Sen. Irvin
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Taxpayers bill of rights and spending cap; shell bill; unclear at this time
2/8/2023
Sen. Dotson & Rep. Long
In Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
N/A
ANALYSIS
Unclear at this time
NEW
MOVEMENT
Allows the Legislature to create exemptions for property taxes
2/8/2023
Rep. S. Richardson
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
A
ANALYSIS
Currently, property tax exemptions require a constitutional amendment. This would advance property tax relief by allowing the Legislature to create property tax exemptions.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Creates a new pardon board
2/8/2023
Sen. King
In Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create a new board to grant pardons, in addition to retaining the Governor's authority to grant pardons. This would lead to another governmental entity that could expand the number of pardons granted.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Creates a victims' bill of rights
2/8/2023
Sen. Wallace & Rep. Wardlaw
In Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would provide several rights for victims of crimes in Arkansas, including to be heard in public proceedings, to be given reasonable protection from the accused, to be provided reasonable notice of release of the accused, and more
NEW
MOVEMENT
Eliminates sales and use taxes for purchases made by a nonprofit that works with Arkansas citizens with developmental disabilities.
2/7/2023
Rep. Crawford & Sen. Boyd
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Eliminates sales and use tax for breast pumps and related items
2/7/2023
Rep. Clowney & Sen. Davis
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Requires voter approval for tax increases imposed by the General Assembly
2/7/2023
Rep. Ray
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would strengthen tax relief for Arkansans by creating a Constitutional amendment to provide for voter approval requirement for tax increases imposed by the General Assembly
NEW
MOVEMENT
Levies a new excise tax to reimburse counties for the reduction in tax revenue for the homestead property credit
2/7/2023
Rep. L. Fite & Sen. Hammer
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
F
ANALYSIS
This would create a new excise tax of 0.5% on most sales in the state of Arkansas, further raising the cost of living. It would significantly increase Arkansas's tax burden and is an unnecessary policy that would place affordability further out of reach.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Removes a "good moral character" requirement for social workers
2/6/2023
Rep. Cavenaugh & Sen. Flippo
Failed
B
ANALYSIS
This bill would remote vague and artbitrary language from the licensing process for social workers in order to improve occupational licensure.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Eliminates sales tax for food pantries
2/2/2023
Rep. Tosh & Sen. Wallace
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Eliminates sales tax for boat storage, docking fees, and camping spaces
2/2/2023
Rep. Vaught
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Eliminates all property taxes by 2050 and makes other miscellaneous property tax changes
1/30/2023
Rep. Meeks
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
C
ANALYSIS
While potentially providing tax relief in the long-run, this legislation would focus on property tax relief in nearly 30 years at the expense of losing the political capital to focus on income tax relief in the nearer future.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Reduces sales tax rate for natural gas, electricity, and coal used by a data center
1/30/2023
Rep. Pilkington
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Increases the sales tax exemption for used vehicles
1/26/2023
Sen. Payton & Rep. Lundstrum
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
B
ANALYSIS
While not a full repeal of the sales tax on used vehicles, this would eliminate the special sales tax rate for certain used vehicles, but would exempt the sale of used vehicles of less than $10,000 in value from the state sales tax (an increase from the currently $4,000 exemption threshold).
NEW
MOVEMENT
Increases the sales tax exemption for used vehicles
1/26/2023
Sen. Payton & Rep. Maddox
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
B
ANALYSIS
While not a full repeal of the sales tax on used vehicles, this would expand the existing $4,000 exemption threshold to $10,000 and only apply the existing threshold to trailers and semitrailers.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Provides child support for those killed in vehicular accidents
1/25/2023
Rep. Hawk & Sen. Hammer
In House Judiciary Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would ensure the victim's children of those killed in vehicular accidents are financially provided for by the perpetrators of these actions.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Allows able-bodied adults to qualify for Arkansas Work Pays without having been receiving Transitional Employment Assistance leading up to the date of qualification
1/25/2023
Sen. English
Senate Floor
F
ANALYSIS
This would expand welfare to working able-bodied adults in Arkansas by removing the requirement that Arkansas Works Pays cash welfare recipients must have been recently receiving Transitional Employment Assistance. Under this bill, the welfare program would be opened up to more able-bodied adults in Arkansas who are not subject to an asset test. It would increase welfare costs, water down the existing work requirement, and increase dependency.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Repeals the franchise tax
1/24/2023
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Dotson
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This would repeal an unnecessary tax that currently punishes Arkansas businesses on an annual basis for simply existing in the state of Arkansas.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Requires a victim to be notified of a sex offender's petition to terminate their obligation to register as a sex offender
1/23/2023
Sen. Wallace & Rep. Milligan
In Senate Judiciary Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would bring transparency to victims of sex-related crimes in the event a sex offender seeks to have their status eliminated.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Amends the Arkansas Constitution to abolish the "Independent Citizens Commission", which has recently proposed significantly hiking Legislator pay
1/23/2023
Rep. Ray & Sen. Gilmore
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This resolution would effectively remove the legislative pay setting process from an unnecessary commission that has seeked to raise legislative pay by significant amounts in recent years.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Eliminates sales and use taxes for certain utilities used by a swine farm.
1/23/2023
Rep. Beck
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Eliminates sales and use taxes for residential cleaning and janitorial work.
1/23/2023
Rep. L. Johnson
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Eliminates sales and use taxes for manufacturers’ rebates on vehicles.
1/23/2023
Rep. L. Johnson & Sen. Payton
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Eliminates sales and use taxes for mortality composting devices sold to a commercial livestock or poultry producer.
1/19/2023
Rep. Vaught & Sen. Dees
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Eliminates sales tax registration fee
1/17/2023
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Dotson
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would eliminate an unnecessary tax on Arkansas small businesses, a tax for collecting sales tax.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Income tax credit for seniors equal to property tax payment.
1/11/2023
Rep. Cavenaugh & Rep. Vaught
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would effectively insulate seniors from property taxes, offering them significant tax relief.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Requires Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for depression screening of pregnant women.
1/9/2023
Rep. Pilkington
In House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This bill would expand Medicaid benefits and increase costs. Medicaid is a broken welfare program that already traps nearly 1 in 3 Arkansas residents.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Parole; unclear at this time
1/9/2023
Rep. Gazaway & Sen. Gilmore
In Committee on House Journal
N/A
ANALYSIS
Unclear at this time. TBD.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Expands postpartum Medicaid to one year
1/9/2023
Rep. Pilkington
In House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
F
ANALYSIS
This bill would expand Medicaid, a broken welfare program that already traps nearly 1 in 3 residents.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Expands state income tax deduction
1/9/2023
Rep. Ray
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would offer income tax relief to Arkansans, some of the most heavily taxed workers in the country.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Removes cap on standard deduction increases due to inflation & ties increases to a better inflation measure
1/9/2023
Rep. Ray & Sen. Dismang
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would offer income tax relief to Arkansans and protect inflation from eroding future relief.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Cuts top marginal income rate
1/9/2023
Rep. Ray
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
A
ANALYSIS
This bill would provide significant and lasting income tax relief for untold numbers of Arkansans, some of the highest taxed workers in the country.
NEW
MOVEMENT
Eliminates sales and use taxes for purchases made by the Morgan Nick Foundation.
1/9/2023
Rep. Fite & Sen. Petty
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
D
ANALYSIS
This would create another costly sales tax exemption ultimately borne by Arkansas taxpayers, pushing away the prospect of an income tax repeal.

This tracker is updated twice per week, typically on Wednesdays and Friday afternoons. Please check back regularly for new movement & new bill filings.