Daily Summary for Wednesday, April 16

Today marked the final day of official business for the 2025 Regular Session of the Arkansas House of Representatives. Lawmakers will reconvene on May 5 to formally adjourn Sine Die.

During today's session, the House adopted SJR 15, a proposed constitutional amendment that would authorize the General Assembly to create economic development districts aimed at fostering economic growth across the state.

The House also approved SB636, which outlines one-time allocations of surplus funds, including $136 million for state property insurance, $100 million for Medicaid sustainability, $90 million for the Education Funding Act (EFA), and $45 million for general discretionary needs.

The House passed SB625, which allows funds from the Arkansas Education Freedom Accounts to be used for reasonable costs associated with co-curricular courses in fine arts, music, or STEM, provided these courses are offered by public schools in Arkansas.

Lawmakers also passed SB437, establishing the Arkansas Wind Energy Development Act. This legislation sets standards and permitting requirements for wind energy facilities to ensure public health, safety, and welfare.

The House passed SB601, creating a pathway for graduates of foreign medical schools to become licensed in Arkansas if they are offered full-time employment by a healthcare provider.

To address oral health access, the House approved SB347, which requires the Arkansas Medicaid Program to increase reimbursement rates for certain dental services and sets an annual reimbursement cap for adult dental care.

Under SB217, which also passed today, the Department of Human Services is directed to request a federal waiver to exclude candy and soft drinks from being eligible for purchase under the SNAP program.

The House also passed SB591, a bill that seeks to prohibit race-selection abortions in the state.

These actions conclude the legislative business of the 2025 Regular Session, with formal adjournment scheduled for May 5.