For the third time in 15 months, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed legislation to lower taxes for Arkansans. The governor also weighed in after an anti-abortion resolution sparked debate in the House.
Matthew Shepherd
Partner Content
Dozens of services would cease if Arkansas lawmakers fail to pass Game and Fish budget
Game and Fish commissioner Austin Booth has expressed confidence the Legislature will approve the agency’s appropriation before a July 1 deadline, but it’s worth examining the consequences if lawmakers fail to do so.
Posted inArkansas Blog
Expect another special session and yet more tax cuts soon, legislative leaders say
Legislators could put the hundreds of millions of dollars in “surplus” on deck this year into dozens of worthy things, from maternity leave to child care. But when setting spending priorities, they act as if Arkansas is strapped for cash.
Posted inArkansas Blog
Why did Judge Bobby Shepherd recuse from transgender medical care case? Now, we know.
We now know why federal appeals Judge Bobby Shepherd recused from the transgender medical-care case involving minors. It turns out his son is the Arkansas House speaker.
Posted inArkansas Blog
Governor’s rush-job special session on government secrecy hits a snag
Special legislative sessions are usually quick affairs, but this one may drag out.
Posted inArkansas Blog
El Dorado man named to state commission protecting firearms and fossil fuel industries from woke investors
A new state law that protects gun, ammo and fossil fuel industries from bleeding heart investors who aim to avoid funding homicide and environmental devastation went into effect this month.
Posted inArkansas Blog
Matthew Shepherd appoints Amber Pool to Medical Marijuana Commission
Amber Pool will serve a four-year term on the commission.
Posted inArkansas Blog
John Vines appointed parliamentarian of state House
Vines will replace outgoing Parliamentarian Buddy Johnson, who is retiring at the end of the month.
Posted inArkansas Blog
Matthew Shepherd doesn’t want to be speaker of the House anymore
State Rep. Matthew Shepherd (R-El Dorado) won’t seek a fourth term as speaker of the Arkansas House, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports. Shepherd is the longest serving leader of the chamber. He told the D-G that he plans on seeking reelection for his House seat.
Posted inArkansas Blog
Arkansas legislators’ bungled emergency clause procedure threatens LEARNS Act implementation
The Arkansas legislature forgot to take a separate vote on the LEARNS Act emergency clause, rendering the emergency null and void. Will this interrupt the new law’s timeline?