Opinion

In the 2025 Regular Session, the Arkansas House of Representatives passed a series of impactful laws to improve education statewide, prioritizing students, teachers, and school communities.

The Arkansas Medicaid expansion program known as ARHOME must be renewed every five years, and earlier this year the Department of Human Services submitted a renewal application to federal authorities that includes a revised work requirement for recipients.

The 2025 Regular Session wrapped up its final week of official business, marking several major legislative achievements. The House adopted two proposed constitutional amendments: SJR15, allowing the General Assembly to establish economic development districts, and SJR11, affirming the fundamental right to keep and bear arms, including the use of ammunition and firearm accessories for lawful purposes. These will appear on the November 2026 ballot alongside HJR1018, the Citizens Only Voting Amendment. Lawmakers also passed HB2003, the Revenue Stabilization Law, which sets the Fiscal Year 2026 budget with a 2.9% increase in state spending. Key allocations include $1 million for foster care, $4.3 million for juvenile facilities, $13 million for maternal health, and $90 million for Educational Freedom Accounts. SB636 allocates surplus funds with $136 million for state property insurance, $100 million for Medicaid sustainability, $90 million for the Education Funding Act, and $45 million for discretionary needs. SB290 introduces a process for future watershed moratoriums while protecting current ones for the Buffalo River and Lake Maumelle. SB612 allows parents to sue social media companies if the platform design harms their child’s mental health. Throughout the session, the 95th General Assembly prioritized maternal health, education, and child safety. Lawmakers passed measures to safeguard children from social media harms, banned cell phones in schools to reduce distractions, and reformed higher education. A landmark step was taken by funding free school breakfasts for every Arkansas student. Finally, families will see relief at the checkout line with the elimination of the state grocery tax. The House will formally adjourn the 2025 Regular Session on May 5, ending a session focused on health, safety, and opportunity for all Arkansans.

The legislature completed the 2025 regular session after approving a balanced budget, increasing public school funding, making higher education more accessible and improving maternal health care.

Arkansas is at the center of a national battle between local pharmacies on the one hand, and on the other hand a giant industry known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). It is a battle of economic life and death.