Little Rock, Arkansas – The final workday of the 95th Arkansas General Assembly ended in a whirlwind of activity as lawmakers raced to finalize a flurry of bills before closing the session. Both the House and Senate chambers were in full swing Wednesday, pushing through several pieces of legislation that now await Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ signature to become law.
Among the most talked-about bills is Senate Bill 486, which would allow individuals to file lawsuits up to two years after encountering a member of the opposite sex in a public restroom. The bill includes specific exceptions for people requiring assistance and those in correctional facilities. Supporters argue it’s about ensuring privacy and safety, while critics say it could lead to discriminatory practices and unnecessary litigation.
Another notable bill is Senate Bill 640, which would give the governor the authority to completely reconstitute the state’s seven-member library board. If signed into law, the governor could remove all current board members and appoint new ones with staggered terms. Typically, appointments to the board are for seven years and made at staggered intervals to maintain balance and continuity.
Senate Bill 217, backed by Governor Sanders, also made it through both chambers. It seeks a federal waiver to exclude candy and soft drinks from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. Supporters say the move is aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among benefit recipients, while opponents argue it could limit food access for low-income families.
In environmental legislation, Senate Bill 290 passed after an amendment preserved existing protections for sensitive areas such as the Buffalo River and Lake Maumelle watersheds. The bill sets new limits on the duration and reach of moratoriums affecting watersheds across the state.
Wind energy took center stage with Senate Bill 437, which would establish the Arkansas Wind Energy Development Act. The bill is designed to stimulate investment and development of wind energy resources within the state, a move seen by many as a step toward a more diverse and sustainable energy future.
In a move that could shape regional economies, Senate Joint Resolution 15 passed, allowing the General Assembly to establish economic development districts throughout the state. These districts could receive support through grants and loans aimed at spurring local business growth and infrastructure projects.
Despite the busy day, not all proposed legislation made it across the finish line. House Bill 1662, which aimed to prohibit foreign lobbying, failed after multiple votes in the Senate. Despite gaining traction in the House, the bill never received majority support in the upper chamber, effectively killing it for this session.
As the 95th General Assembly concludes, lawmakers, lobbyists, and observers now turn their attention to the governor’s office, where several of the session’s most high-profile bills will either be signed into law or vetoed.
