Little Rock, Arkansas – On Tuesday, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed 15 new bills into law, marking another step in the ongoing work of the 95th General Assembly. These newly signed bills contribute to the total of 244 bills that have been passed and enacted during this legislative session, addressing a variety of issues ranging from firearms safety to property rights.
One of the first bills signed, House Bill 1117, now Act 229, focuses on providing age-appropriate firearms safety instruction to students. The law stipulates that if the instruction includes live-fire events, it will require parental permission. This bill has drawn significant attention and was part of a broader conversation about safety education and parental involvement in children’s learning experiences.
Governor Sanders also signed Senate Bill 139, now Act 232, which addresses physician non-compete agreements. Under this law, a physician’s non-compete agreement becomes unenforceable if it restricts them from practicing within their “scope of practice.” This measure aims to provide greater flexibility and freedom for medical professionals, particularly those in specialized fields, to practice in a broader range of locations and settings without facing legal limitations that could impact patient care.
Read also: Full closure planned for northbound Lanes on Highway 67/167 in Jacksonville this weekend
d House Bill 1049, which is now Act 238. The bill criminalizes squatting, making it illegal to occupy a property without the owner’s consent. The law establishes escalating penalties: initially a Class A misdemeanor, but after a third offense, it becomes a Class D felony. Additionally, property owners are now empowered to sue for damages in these cases, providing them with legal recourse to protect their properties from unauthorized occupation.
Two Senate bills that focus on tightening regulations around signature gatherings for referendum petitions were also signed into law. Senate Bill 208, now Act 240, requires that canvassers request a photo ID from individuals who sign petitions. Senate Bill 211, now Act 241, mandates that canvassers submit an affidavit confirming they have followed the law before their collected signatures can be counted. These new regulations aim to enhance the integrity of the signature-gathering process and reduce potential for fraud or misuse.
Read also: Governor Sanders unveils new Grocery Tax Relief Act
“These bills reflect our commitment to addressing important issues within our state, from improving public safety to supporting medical professionals and protecting property rights,” said Governor Sanders following the signing ceremony. “The work we are doing in the 95th General Assembly reflects the values of Arkansas families, and these laws are a step toward creating a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for all our residents.”
As these 15 bills now become law, Arkansas continues to move forward with a legislative agenda that tackles both contemporary challenges and long-standing issues. The impact of these new laws will likely be felt across various sectors, from education to healthcare to property management, signaling a period of transformation in the state’s legal landscape.
With these recent signings, Governor Sanders and the Arkansas legislature have proven their capacity to take decisive action on a wide range of matters, addressing the concerns of citizens while also setting a course for the state’s continued growth and development.
