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
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1032
Increases the homestead property tax credit across the board by $50
3/17/2023
Rep. L. Fite
On Governor's Desk
ANALYSIS
This bill would offer property tax relief to Arkansans.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB90
Creates an automatic and expedited occupational licensing process
3/16/2023
Sen. Hill & Rep. Underwood
In Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
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
HB1046
Eliminates the gross receipts tax for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
3/16/2023
Rep. Ray
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
SB306
Significantly expands welare by raising the food stamp asset limit
3/16/2023
Sen. Dismang
In House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
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
HB1490
Creates a sales tax exemption for the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
3/16/2023
Rep. Collins
Withdrawn
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
SB313
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
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
SB369
Makes various changes to career and technical education
3/16/2023
Sen. Dotson
In House Education Committee
ANALYSIS
This would make modest improvements to the state's coordination of career and technical education
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1594
Creates a sales tax exemption for the Disabled Veterans of Americans
3/16/2023
Rep. Duffield & Sen. Flippo
House Floor
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
HB1669
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
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
HB1661
Eliminates the sales tax on food and groceries
3/16/2023
Rep. Underwood
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
HB1663
Creates a new crime of knowingly exposing another person to fentanyl
3/16/2023
Rep. Gazaway
In House Judiciary Committee
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
HB1654
Creates a new sales tax exemption for data centers
3/16/2023
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Dismang
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
HB1655
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
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
HB1657
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
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
HB1659
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
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
HB1207
Speeds up the processing of local permits for economic development
3/15/2023
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Gilmore
In Senate City, County & Local Affairs Committee
ANALYSIS
This would improve the speed of local economic growth and ensure local bureaucracy does not slow down private enterprise unnecessarily.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1443
Clarifies that victims of misdemeanor crimes have certain rights
3/15/2023
Rep. C. Fite & Sen. Irvin
In Senate Judiciary Committee
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
HB1510
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
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
HB1516
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
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
HB1575
Increases work search requirements for individuals receiving unemployment compensation
3/15/2023
Rep. Burkes & Sen. Penzo
In Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
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
HB1639
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
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
SB232
Allows students to complete school at their old school if their family relocates
3/14/2023
Sen. Clark
Signed into Law
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
SB294
Creates the Arkansas LEARNS Act
3/14/2023
Sen. Davis & Rep. Brooks
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This would make several changes to Arkansas's educational system, including adopting the largest expansion of educational freedom in state history
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB403
Consolidates and abolishes several agriculture-related boards and commissions
3/14/2023
Sen. B. Johnson & Rep. Vaught
Senate Floor
ANALYSIS
This would improve the efficiency of state government by consolidating and abolishing several unneeded state boards and commissions
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1204
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
ANALYSIS
This places additional mandates and requirements on non-public schools that would be harmful to their goals.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1401
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
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
HB1587
Requires home schools receiving public funds to administer an annual exam
3/9/2023
Rep. Wooten
In House Education Committee
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
HB1585
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
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
HB1523
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
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
HB1452
Requires hospitals to comply with federal price transparency requirements
3/7/2023
Rep. Gonzales
In Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
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
HB1465
Creates a sales tax exemption for disabled veterans
3/7/2023
Rep. Crawford
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
SB304
Eases requirements for terminating problematic superintendents
3/7/2023
Sen. Stone & Rep. Gonzales
Withdrawn
ANALYSIS
This would increase accountability in Arkansas's education system by easing the requirements for terminating problematic superintendents
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1027
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
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
HB1340
Disregards veterans disability benefits from counting against eligibility for food stamps
3/6/2023
Rep. Tosh & Sen. Wallace
Signed into Law
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
HB1430
Makes several changes to unemployment insurance
3/6/2023
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. Hammer
Signed into Law
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
SB360
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
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
HB1492
Amends and increases the income tax credit for youth apprenticeship programs
2/28/2023
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. English
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
HB1196
Creates work requirements for able-bodied adults in public housing
2/27/2023
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Gilmore
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This bill would help move individuals from welfare to work and end the cycle of dependency in taxpayer-funded housing.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB193
Streamlines occupational licensing for servicemembers
2/27/2023
Sen. Hill & Rep. Eubanks
Signed into Law
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
HB1506
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
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
HB1185
Waives a district cap on public school choice in certain situations
2/24/2023
Rep. Mayberry & Sen. Clark
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This bill would expand public school choice and improve educational freedom.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB 1029
Limits early release for sex offenders
2/22/2023
Rep. Meeks
In House Management Committee
ANALYSIS
This bill would help prevent crime by limiting the early release of sex offenders.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1026
Prohibits localities from implementing an income tax
2/21/2023
Rep. Ray & Sen. Payton
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This bill would preemptively protect Arkansans from locally-imposed income taxes.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1197
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
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
HB1478
Increases eligibility for the commercial jet aircraft sales tax exemption
2/21/2023
Rep. Eaves & Sen. B. Johnson
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
HB1476
Creates a sales tax exemption for electricity sold to data centers
2/21/2023
Rep. Pilkington & Sen. Gilmore
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
SB283/HB1456
Creates more severe penalties for serious drug-related crimes, including fentanyl trafficking
2/20/2023
Sen. Gilmore & Rep. Gazaway
In House/Senate Judiciary Committee
ANALYSIS
This would help address drug-related crime by establishing more severe penalties for serious drug-related crimes, including fentanyl trafficking
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1359
Consolidates several boards and commissions
2/16/2023
Rep. Cavenaugh & Sen. Hammer
Reported Correctly Engrossed
ANALYSIS
This would improve the efficiency of state government by consolidating and merging several state boards and commissions into a singular entity
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB206
Makes several changes to school board elections
2/16/2023
Sen. Penzo & Rep. Beaty Jr.
In Senate Education Committee
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
HB1450
Removes the 10% penalty for businesses not paying estimated quarterly taxes
2/16/2023
Rep. Moore & Sen. Gilmore
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
HB1043
Minimum sentences for fentanyl-related crimes.
2/15/2023
Rep. Berry & Sen. Stubblefield
Withdrawn
ANALYSIS
This bill would combat drug-related crimes by stregthening minimum sentences for fentanyl-related offenses.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB278
Repeals Arkansas's Medicaid "private option"/ARHOMES
2/15/2023
Sen. King & Rep. Miller
In Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
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
HJR1009
Provides for the partisan election of judges
2/14/2023
Rep. Lundstrum & Sen. Stubblefield
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
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
HB1205
Requires all schools that accept state funding to provide transportation to certain students.
2/13/2023
Rep. Wooten
In House Education Committee
ANALYSIS
This legislation will impose additional mandates on non-public schools that could severely hamper their operations.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB256
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
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
HB1004
Requires the disclosure of sex offenders' address
2/9/2023
Rep. Ray & Sen. M. Johnson
Signed into Law
ANALYSIS
This bill would add transparency for Arkansans living in close proximity to sex offenders, increasing public safety.
NEW
MOVEMENT
SB215
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
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
SJR8/HJR1005
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
ANALYSIS
Unclear at this time
NEW
MOVEMENT
HJR1012
Allows the Legislature to create exemptions for property taxes
2/8/2023
Rep. S. Richardson
In House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
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
SJR11
Creates a new pardon board
2/8/2023
Sen. King
In Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
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
SJR10
Creates a victims' bill of rights
2/8/2023
Sen. Wallace & Rep. Wardlaw
In Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee
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
HB1235
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
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
HB1364
Eliminates sales and use tax for breast pumps and related items
2/7/2023
Rep. Clowney & Sen. Davis
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
HJR1004
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
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
HJR1007
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
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
HB1136
Removes a "good moral character" requirement for social workers
2/6/2023
Rep. Cavenaugh & Sen. Flippo
Failed
ANALYSIS
This bill would remote vague and artbitrary language from the licensing process for social workers in order to improve occupational licensure.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1346
Eliminates sales tax for food pantries
2/2/2023
Rep. Tosh & Sen. Wallace
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
HB1342
Eliminates sales tax for boat storage, docking fees, and camping spaces
2/2/2023
Rep. Vaught
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
HJR1002
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
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
HB1317
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
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
SB133
Increases the sales tax exemption for used vehicles
1/26/2023
Sen. Payton & Rep. Lundstrum
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
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
SB134
Increases the sales tax exemption for used vehicles
1/26/2023
Sen. Payton & Rep. Maddox
In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
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
HB1131
Provides child support for those killed in vehicular accidents
1/25/2023
Rep. Hawk & Sen. Hammer
In House Judiciary Committee
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
SB89
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
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
HB1239
Repeals the franchise tax
1/24/2023
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Dotson
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
SB96
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
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
HJR1001
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
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
HB1190
Eliminates sales and use taxes for certain utilities used by a swine farm.
1/23/2023
Rep. Beck
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
HB1195
Eliminates sales and use taxes for residential cleaning and janitorial work.
1/23/2023
Rep. L. Johnson
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
HB1194
Eliminates sales and use taxes for manufacturers’ rebates on vehicles.
1/23/2023
Rep. L. Johnson & Sen. Payton
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
HB1172
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
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
HB1146
Eliminates sales tax registration fee
1/17/2023
Rep. Underwood & Sen. Dotson
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
ANALYSIS
This bill would eliminate an unnecessary tax on Arkansas small businesses, a tax for collecting sales tax.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1116
Income tax credit for seniors equal to property tax payment.
1/11/2023
Rep. Cavenaugh & Rep. Vaught
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
ANALYSIS
This bill would effectively insulate seniors from property taxes, offering them significant tax relief.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1011
Requires Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for depression screening of pregnant women.
1/9/2023
Rep. Pilkington
In House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
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
HB1002/SB2
Parole; unclear at this time
1/9/2023
Rep. Gazaway & Sen. Gilmore
In Committee on House Journal
ANALYSIS
Unclear at this time. TBD.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1010
Expands postpartum Medicaid to one year
1/9/2023
Rep. Pilkington
In House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
ANALYSIS
This bill would expand Medicaid, a broken welfare program that already traps nearly 1 in 3 residents.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1012
Expands state income tax deduction
1/9/2023
Rep. Ray
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
ANALYSIS
This bill would offer income tax relief to Arkansans, some of the most heavily taxed workers in the country.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1016
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
ANALYSIS
This bill would offer income tax relief to Arkansans and protect inflation from eroding future relief.
NEW
MOVEMENT
HB1097
Cuts top marginal income rate
1/9/2023
Rep. Ray
In House Revenue and Taxation Committee
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
HB1089
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
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.
