Severe Weather and Flooding Expected in Arkansas Friday

From the National Weather Service in Little Rock….

Severe weather and Flooding are expected today with multiple different waves or storms pushing through the state this morning into the evening. 

• Main threats will be Large Hail (up to 1.75"), Damaging winds (up to 70mph), and Flash Flooding (max 2-3" of rainfall)

 An updated briefing with the latest information is attached. 

• Severe Weather Friday/Heavy Rain Friday Main Threat Summary:

• Friday Morning (Severe) / Excessive Rain Friday ○Damaging Winds: Up to 70 mph ○ Large Hail: Up to Golf Ball (1.75”) ○ Tornadoes: Unlikely ○ Flash flooding where storms train over the same locations (I-30/I-40 corridor and south) Trends/Confidence:

• Severe thunderstorms potential has increased in the last 24 hours

• Expect Severe weather early Friday morning with another round in the afternoon

• Locally heavy rain can not be ruled out over parts of Arkansas Friday morning through the evening

Unattended baby wild animals may not be abandoned

BY Randy Zellers

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas is blessed with abundant wildlife and their offspring. As the green march of spring continues to increase outdoor recreation opportunities, many landowners and outdoor adventurers are likely to come across unattended baby wild animals. Offering a helping hand is not only a recipe for disaster; in some cases, it can be illegal.

Deer are nearly impossible to rehabilitate for release into the wild. Rehabbing them or keeping them as pets is illegal.  

First and foremost, don’t assume that these animals have been abandoned. One or both parents may be out of sight, waiting for you to leave. The spots on a fawn are nature’s version of camouflage; their strategy to avoid predators is to stay perfectly still and let the danger pass. The mother leaves the fawn alone for much of the day to feed and build up her milk supply for her young. Deer aren’t the only animals that use the stay away, stay safe strategy. A female rabbit only spends about one hour out of every 36 with her young. Many well-meaning good Samaritans have picked up a helpless baby deer only to have inadvertently stolen it from its mother.

Concerns over chronic wasting disease have made it illegal to rehabilitate deer in Arkansas because the removal of the infectious agent once a facility is exposed to the disease has proven impossible. As a result, taking an abandoned fawn also leaves the well-intentioned person in a sticky situation with no one to take it in and no way to care for it themselves.

Many landowners call the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in spring when they see baby birds that have fallen from their nest. Some may want to put the bird back in the nest, but, again, the best course of action is often to leave things be and let nature take its course. Baby birds almost ready to fly often will hop around in the tree branches, exercising their wings and fall out of the tree. Parents will feed these youngsters where they find them on the ground.

A fawn’s instinct is to lie perfectly still and let its camouflage hide it from predators. AGFC photo by Jeff Williams.

In some cases, the young animal may have a disease or some other issue that led to being abandoned by its mother on purpose. Trying to place this bird back in the nest may cause the problem to spread and create a complete nest failure.

Even in the best-case scenario, the young of such prolific species as rabbits, mice, songbirds and other small species have a 20 percent chance of survival through their first year. The survival strategy for these animals is to simply reproduce more young than will die from predation, disease and environmental causes.

It’s best to observe the young animal from a distance and prevent any unnecessary danger from pets and children. Housecats and feral cats are by far the biggest predators of songbirds in the United States, so keeping your cat away from the backyard birds is a good practice, no matter the time of year.

In addition to the baby deer mentioned earlier, federal laws may make it illegal to possess other animals. Migratory birds such as cardinals, mockingbirds and other songbirds fall into this category, as do hawks and owls. Even possessing the feathers of these birds requires a special permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and rehabilitating them also requires special training and permitting.

The AGFC lists licensed rehabilitators on its website at www.agfc.com/rehab to help connect people with these resources when they don’t heed the warning to leave abandoned wildlife alone. These rehabbers are not paid for their services and only do it as a labor of love. Please contact the rehabber before taking the animal from its setting, as they have space limitations and can only take in so many animals at a time.

Attorney General Griffin Announces Arrest of Little Rock Man Following Organized Retail Crime Investigation; Accomplice Remains at Large

Griffin: ‘Anyone Engaging In Retail Crime … Should Know That We Are Committed To Holding Them Accountable’

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement announcing the arrest of a Little Rock man for theft of property:

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin

“Earlier this year, my dedicated organized retail crime investigator received information from one of our private sector partners about possible organized retail crime occurring at a Marshalls store in Little Rock. At least two individuals and possibly a third had been observed executing a coordinated effort to steal merchandise from Marshalls on multiple occasions. These individuals stole merchandise valued at $1,464.58 during two separate incidents in December 2024.

“My office opened an investigation and identified two subjects: Casey Murrell Cunningham, 28, of Little Rock, and Sasha Rena Ziegler, 32, of Little Rock. Last week, Cunningham was located in White County and was arrested by the White County Sheriff’s Office. He was charged with theft of property, a Class D felony. After his arrest, it was discovered he also had active warrants from the Little Rock Police Department. He was transferred to Little Rock Police custody and transported to the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility.

“Ziegler remains at large with a warrant issued for her arrest on the charge of theft of property. Anyone with information about Ziegler’s whereabouts should call my office at (501) 682-2007.

“I am grateful for the excellent work done by my Special Investigations Division and for the assistance of the White County Sheriff’s Office, the Little Rock Police Department, and Sixth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones. Anyone engaging in retail crime, whether through an organized enterprise or through petty theft, should know that we are committed to holding them accountable.”

Arkansas 4-H Poultry Chain Project delivers the chicks

By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

LONOKE, Ark. — Though fair season is still months away, the poultry competition officially began April 24 when more than 2,000 Arkansas 4-H members from 68 counties in Arkansas received their chicks as part of the 4-H Poultry Chain project. 

CHICK MAGNET — Shane Gadberry, assistant vice president for agriculture and natural resources with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, loads baby chicks into the cars of 4-H agents who delivered birds to more than 2,000 4-H members statewide who are participating in the 4-H Poultry Chain Project. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

The program teaches youth about poultry management and animal husbandry. Each participant received a set of 17 pullets — each the same age and breed from the same hatchery. Over the next few months, the youth will put the knowledge they have gained into practice in raising the birds. 

Most will take their best birds to county fairs, some will advance to the state fair, and many will use their flocks to start egg-selling businesses.

All in a day’s work

In just over 24 hours, some 36,000 chicks were transported overnight from a Texas-based hatchery to the Lonoke County Fair Grounds, where Cooperative Extension Service personnel unloaded and sorted the birds. 

Extension agents from across Arkansas picked up their county’s birds and distributed them to 4-H members in their respective counties. By late afternoon, the birds were settling into their new homes.

4-H members began preparing long before the birds’ arrival — setting up brooders, stocking up on feed and shavings, and purchasing brooder plates, which keep the young birds warm and are preferred over heating lamps, which pose fire risks. 

They’ve also learned about biosecurity measures to protect their flocks from disease, especially avian flu.

“My favorite part of this project is that everyone starts on the same day, with birds of the same genetics,” Logan County 4-H agent Sarah Enoch said. “By fair time, their husbandry, what they’ve done to feed and care for the chicks, really shows. It’s a more level playing field than other livestock projects.”

Gateway to 4-H

The Poultry Chain project is one of the most popular programs for Arkansas 4-H, the youth leadership program operated by the Cooperative Extension Service.

Enoch has about 50 4-H members raising chickens this year.

“Poultry Chain is our most popular 4-H program in Logan County,” she said. “It’s the gateway to 4-H. From chickens, some kids will become interested in showing a pig or a goat or want to try other projects.”

4-H offers more than 50 project areas that focus on healthy living, citizenship, leadership and the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

Logan County’s 4-H Foundation buys the chicken for its county 4-Hers, who raise the birds and take their best three to the county fair. The rest of their flock is theirs to keep. 

The birds are judged and awarded blue, red or white ribbons. Blue-ribbon chickens are the cream of the crop and often sell for higher prices in the public auction. The proceeds go back to the Foundation to pay for the next year’s chickens and to support 4-H programs, Enoch said.

Similar scenarios play out in other counties, though not all counties have foundations to pay for the birds, and not all fairs have auctions.

Burgeoning business

With current egg prices, many 4-H members are doing a swift business and often have wait lists of folks wanting to buy fresh eggs. While some buyers may be hoping to beat supermarket prices, many people are willing to pay competitive prices for fresh eggs raised by local youth.

“Everyone is excited to get 4-H eggs,” Prairie County 4-H program assistant Amanda Sinkey said.  Half of the county’s 40 4-H members participate in Poultry Chain, and many of them are looking forward to selling eggs.

“One of our members has repeat customers from year to year, and she sells eggs for $3 a dozen.”

Twelve-year-old Adam Hammond who lives near Hope, has had a poultry project for four years. He currently has 18 layers and typically collects 16-18 eggs a day.  While Adam is responsible for caring for the flock, his mother, Brittney, helps with marketing and delivery. She posts egg availability on Facebook and she and her son deliver the eggs to customers.

Adam sells the eggs in flats of 30 for $10.

“We feel that’s a good deal,” Brittney Hammond said. “We usually sell between two to five flats a week, depending on if it’s a good week or not.”

The experience has been a valuable lesson in money management as youth learn that not all egg revenue is free money — after costs of feed, supplies and tax are taken out.

Buyers’ preference

This year, Poultry Chain participants received Lohmann whites, a breed known to be good layers though a bit flighty and less friendly than other breeds. Many kids prefer to raise breeds that lay brown eggs to suit their customers.

“When people see white eggs, they think store-bought,” When they see brown eggs, they think farm fresh,” Brittney Hammond said.

Andrew Bolton, extension’s poultry instructor for youth programs, initially worried that participation in Poultry Chain might dip this year, based on breed preference and because of avian flu concerns.

Instead, participation increased slightly with a total of 2,108 recipients. The program is open to 4-H and Future Farmers of America members.

Bolton attributes the increased participation to egg demand and higher egg prices. Increased interest is good news in Arkansas, where poultry production accounts for 1 in 4 agriculture jobs in Arkansas, he said.

“The poultry industry is one of the largest industries in our state, and we always need people to work, whether that’s working in a plant, supervising feed mills, equipment operations, or in research and development,” Bolton said. “There are lots of options, and we hope this sparks an interest.”

To learn more about 4-H, visit 4h.uada.edu, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent, or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. 

Christians divided over Arkansas law to mandate Ten Commandments

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

A new law mandating the Ten Commandments be displayed in all Arkansas public school classrooms was signed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The law is shrouded in religious and First Amendment controversies.

In resisting the law putting the Ten Commandments in every Arkansas classroom, the Rev. Britney Stillwell wondered: does this trivialize my religion?

“At best they blend in and become something we don't pay attention to,” she said. “And at worse, there used as a bludgeon for what faith should be.”

The law doesn't just apply to schools. The text has to be hung in all public buildings in Arkansas. And along with the Ten Commandments, public places have to put up a sign that says “In God We Trust.” And you can't cheat. You can't make the font illegible or the sign too small. You can't hang these posters in a supply closet.

Christians divided over Arkansas law to mandate Ten Commandments

Wikimedia Commons

Arkansas health department reports evidence of community spread of measles

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

The Arkansas Department of Health on Tuesday reported the state’s fourth confirmed pediatric measles case in an Arkansas resident. Because the child did not travel outside the state, this indicates the first case of community spread this year, according to a press release.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can cause severe health complications. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and rash, according to the health department. Patients are infectious both four days before and after they develop a rash.

The individual was not fully vaccinated and lives in Faulkner County. While infectious, the person visited Conway Regional Greenbrier Family Medicine from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 18 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 21. The individual also visited Irby Dance Studio in Conway from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on April 23, according to the release.

Arkansas health department reports evidence of community spread of measles

Flickr Image

Striking while the iron’s hot: Arkansas 4-H club teaches blacksmithing skills to new generation

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

RISON, Ark. — The metallic clang of hammers rang out at the Pioneer Village in Rison, where members of the Cleveland County 4-H Blacksmithing Club forged their own tent stakes from low-carbon steel.

The club’s monthly meeting took place April 19 during the Pioneer Craft Festival. The Pioneer Village, a collection of historical homes and structures dating back to the 1800s, includes a blacksmith’s shop built by local volunteers. Ed Montgomery, leader of the Cleveland County 4-H Blacksmithing Club, said the location has been perfect for their group.

“This was specifically built to be a blacksmith’s shop,” Montgomery said. “Two retirees named Bill Gray and Luther Drye built this from used sheet metal and lumber from Luther’s sawmill. They donated their time in addition to the building materials. It’s been a great thing for the kids and the Pioneer Village.”

Montgomery said his passion for blacksmithing first began as a kid, when he was a member of the Scott County 4-H Buckskinners.

LESSONS IN FORGING — At a meeting of the Cleveland County 4-H Blacksmithing Club, held at the Pioneer Village in Rison, club member Millie Montgomery explains how club volunteer Jeff Frey and his son Brayden Frey are heating a piece of low-carbon steel to be hammered into a tent stake. (Division of Agriculture photo.) 

“Our club wasn’t all about blacksmithing, but as part of it, we had a forge,” Montgomery said. “None of us knew what we were doing with it, but we just got out there and learned what we could. It really took for me. I don’t do it for a living, but I just love to do it. Since then, I’ve collected as many tools as I can and just continually learned about it.”

The Cleveland County Blacksmithing Club began meeting in the fall of 2023, and its members include Montgomery’s three children.

“I enjoy showing this to them,” Montgomery said. “It’s passing on something that I feel is an important skill.”

At their April meeting, 4-H members shaped small pieces of low-carbon steel into tent stakes by tapering and sharpening one end to be hammered into the ground, then using the tip of an anvil to curl and press the top of the stake into a tight hook.

Members also operated hand-cranked blowers to keep a stream of oxygen flowing into three separate forges, which were heated using blacksmithing coke. Blacksmithing coke is coal that has been heated to burn off moisture and other substances, resulting in a fuel that burns hotter and produces less smoke. To get the coke burning, members first kindled a small wood and coal fire.

Montgomery said club members have made hand-forged nails, wall hooks and dinner bells.

As part of their blacksmith training, club members have also been taught hammer signals, which are helpful for team striking, when two people take turns hitting the same piece of metal.

“That’s a traditional way of communicating in a blacksmith’s shop,” Montgomery said. “At times, it can be too loud in a blacksmith’s shop to hear verbal instructions clearly. Taps on the anvil with a hammer can tell the ‘striker’ when to start and stop.

“And they’re learning teamwork – there’s no time for a kid to argue in this,” he said. “Participants learn that when the metal comes out of the fire, work must start on it immediately.”

David West, Cleveland County extension agriculture agent for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said the 4-H Blacksmithing Club is “helping get kids active, build self-confidence, teach them a useful and practical skill and help them build relationships.

“It has so many positive layers to it,” West said. “Learning safety with tools and how to follow instructions, and expressing your artistic ability and imagination through heating, hammering and forging. I heard one student say it can even be therapeutic to hit some steel with a hammer.”

The club was recently awarded an Innovative Grant from the Arkansas 4-H Alumni Association and Arkansas 4-H Foundation. The grant recognizes 4-H programs that benefit more than just one club.

“Through Ed’s leadership and direction, along with many volunteers who have stepped up, this club is showcasing 4-H and 4-H’ers to their entire community,” West said.

Hands-on learning

Montgomery’s daughter Millie, 15, has participated in the club since it started.

“It’s a dying art, blacksmithing is,” Millie said. “Nobody really knows how to do it. I really enjoy it, and I like to help other people do it because it’s fun.”

Montgomery’s son John, 16, said he enjoys blacksmithing as a creative outlet.

“I was inspired, like many others, by a show called ‘Forged in Fire’,” John said. “I would say that blacksmithing is a good way to get some experience working with your hands. You have fun, you can work, and you can make money.”  

Desiree Frey, whose son Brayden, 13, is a club member, said the experience has helped her son practice his creativity and improve his social skills.

“I never knew anything about blacksmithing until we got into 4-H, then when they started this, I thought, ‘Oh Brayden, that would be really cool to get into,’” Frey said. “He’s made a lot of things. He’s made a couple of dinner bells, plant holder hooks, a spoon and nails.”

Jeff Frey, Brayden’s father, is a club volunteer. He said it’s important for young people to learn about hands-on trades and explore different career paths.

“College is great, but it’s not for everybody,” Frey said. “Blacksmithing might not be something you do day in and day out, but to be able to see you can do something like this, it’s good. I work in a paint and auto body shop, and you do all that work by hand. There’s a pride in that work, and that’s what I see in a lot of the kids here. Whenever they see the final product, they look at it, and they’re like, ‘I made that.’”

Katie Jo Strother, 14, who recently joined the club, said she enjoys coming to meetings to see her friends and take advantage of the unique opportunity to learn.

“You don’t see this kind of stuff anywhere around,” Strother said. “To be in my hometown and doing something that we all love, it’s just fun.”

Montgomery said his goal for the club is for members to continue growing in their confidence and abilities.

“We’ve really seen their skills increase, from barely being able to hit the metal to really hitting accurately,” he said. “I want to see them progress in their skills and make more and more complex things. My goal is for them to be able to work with their hands and work with their intellect, that way they diversify their abilities as they enter adulthood.”  

To learn more about the Cleveland County 4-H Blacksmithing Club, contact Ed Montgomery at edmontgomery100@gmail.com. For more information about Arkansas 4-H, visit 4h.uada.edu.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. 

Arkansas lawmakers approve $182.5 million state budget increase

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

The Arkansas General Assembly on Wednesday approved legislation to increase the state’s general revenue budget to $6.49 billion for fiscal year 2026, a nearly 3% increase from the previous year.

As is typical, state lawmakers approved the Revenue Stabilization Act on the final day of the legislative session through two identical bills — Senate Bill 637 and House Bill 2003.

The RSA is nearly identical to the budget Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders proposed in November. The largest portion of the $182.5 million increase to the state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 is an additional $90 million for the state’s Educational Freedom Account program.

Arkansas lawmakers approve $182.5 million state budget increase

Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate

Rep. Lane Jean, R-Magnolia, addresses the Arkansas House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

Arkansas bans pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies in state

KUAR | By Andrew DeMillo / The Associated Press, Kim Chandler / The Associated Press

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed legislation Wednesday prohibiting pharmacy benefit managers from owning or operating pharmacies, becoming the first state to enact such a restriction.

The measure comes as other states are considering restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers, which run prescription drug coverage for big clients that include health insurers and employers that provide coverage.

Supporters of the restrictions have said pharmacy benefit managers are forcing independent pharmacies, especially in rural areas, out of business.

Arkansas bans pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies in state

Bills signed into law by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, the Governor signed into law: 

HCR1008 – To celebrate and commend Northwest Arkansas community college’s nationally leading and industry-transforming bicycle assembly and repair technician and trail technician programs. 

HCR1011 – To recognize Bentonville’s investment in cycling and its title as the mountain biking capital of the world. 

SB9 – An act to create the make Arkansas healthy again act; to prohibit a person or entity from manufacturing, selling, delivering, distributing, holding, or offering for sale a food product for human consumption that contains certain substances; and for other purposes. 

SB576 – An act to amend the coverage of continuous glucose monitors within the Arkansas Medicaid program; and for other purposes. 

HB1150 – An act to prohibit a pharmacy benefits manager from obtaining certain pharmacy permits; and for other purposes. 

HB1171 – An act to modify the Medicaid provider-led organized care act; to authorize an abbreviated independent assessment for certain beneficiaries enrolled in a risk-based provider organization; and for other purposes. 

HB1320 – An act to amend the behavioral health and crisis intervention protocol act of 2017; to prohibit limits on utilization criteria under the behavioral health crisis intervention protocol act of 2017; to amend the definition of “healthcare provider” under the patient protection act of 1995; to modify the definition of “healthcare provider” as used under the any willing provider laws; to regulate crisis stabilization units and healthcare insurer; to prohibit certain prior authorizations for crisis stabilization units unless authorized by the insurance commissioner; and for other purposes. 

HB1333 – An act to mandate coverage for breastfeeding and lactation consultant services; and for other purposes. 

HB1424 – An act to mandate coverage for severe obesity treatments; and for other purposes. 

HB1440 – An act to amend the massage therapy act; to establish registration for massage therapy establishments; and for other purposes. 

HB1531 – An act to prohibit pharmaceutical manufacturers from restricting or limiting prescription medications to a limited distribution network of out-of-state pharmacies; and for other purposes. 

HB1543 – An act to amend the law concerning public assistance; to establish the workforce experience opportunities act of 2025; and for other purposes. 

HB1559 – An act to require the Department of Human Services to seek a waiver to the Arkansas Medicaid program for coverage for inpatient treatment services for substance use disorders; and for other purposes.

HB1602 – An act to amend the Arkansas pharmacy benefits manager licensure act; to establish the fees under the Arkansas pharmacy benefits manager licensure act; to require reporting of certain information by a pharmacy benefits manager under the Arkansas pharmacy benefits manager licensure act; and for other purposes.  

HB1619 – An act to set administration fees under the Arkansas Medicaid program for immunizations and monoclonal antibodies for respiratory syncytial virus disease; to provide civil immunity for administration of immunizations and monoclonal antibodies for respiratory syncytial virus disease; and for other purposes.

HB1622 – An act to amend the Medicaid fairness act; to modify the definition of “adverse decision” under the Medicaid fairness act; to provide for administrative reconsideration under the Medicaid fairness act; and for other purposes. 

HB1653 – An act to move licensing and regulation of psychiatric residential treatment facilities from the child welfare agency review board to the Department of Human Services; to set standards for the licensing and regulation of psychiatric residential treatment facilities; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

HB1677 – An act to authorize alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs to maintain emergency medication kits; and for other purposes. 

HB1700 – An act to amend the prior authorization transparency act; to clarify the process of an adverse determination notice under the prior authorization transparency act; and for other purposes. 

HB1712 – An act to establish the social work licensure compact in this state; and for other purposes. 

HB1751 – An act to amend the law concerning public assistance; to require an applicant for temporary assistance for needy families program benefits to engage in job search activities whole the application is still being processed; and for other purposes. 

HB1758 – An act to amend the law concerning hearing instrument dispensers; to amend the definition of “practice of dispensing hearing instruments”; and for other purposes. 

HB1782 – An act to prohibit over-the-counter diet pills from being sold, transferred, or otherwise furnished to a person who is under eighteen years of age; and for other purposes. 

HB1854 – An act to exempt a home caregiver from home caregiver training if he or she previously completed training; and for other purposes. 

SB303 – An act to allow a resident school district to permit a private school student to participate in an interscholastic activity at the resident school district under certain conditions; and for other purposes. 

SB467 – An act to modify the definition of “healthcare provider” regarding student athlete concussion education to include chiropractors or chiropractic physicians; and for other purposes. 

SB470 – An act concerning the administration of a statewide student assessment to a student in a virtual setting; to require an adult approved to oversee the administration of a statewide student assessment to certain students in a virtual setting to meet certain requirements; and for other purposes. 

SB515 – An act to amend the Arkansas history unit requirement in public elementary and secondary schools; to require that a unit dedicated to Arkansas veterans and their families by included within existing Arkansas history course content guidelines; and for other purposes.  

SB522 – An act to amend the law regarding the Arkansas school for mathematics, sciences, and the arts; to amend the law related to the tuition and fee paid by students enrolled in the online programs; and for other purposes. 

SB572 – An act to create the public school access and transparency act; to require public access to learning materials; and for other purposes. 

SB552 – An act to amend the Arkansas business corporation act of 1987; to amend the uniform limited liability company act; to clarify the definition of “principal office” used under the Arkansas business corporation act of 1987 and the uniform limited liability company act; and for other purposes. 

HB1771 – An act to amend the law concerning disclosures to policyholders; to require monthly reporting by insurers; and for other purposes. 

HB1820 – An act to regulate automatic renewal and continuous service offers; and for other purposes. 

SB371 – An act concerning missing children; to establish a standardized system to aid in the search of missing children who do not meet the criteria for activation of the Arkansas amber alert system; and for other purposes.

SB426 – An act to create the defense against criminal illegals act; to establish enhanced penalties for illegal aliens who commit serious felonies involving violence; to ensure that sheriff’s offices and the division of correction can participate in the warrant service officer program; to expand the state’s current ban on sanctuary cities to include counties and unincorporated areas; and for other purposes. 

SB497 – An act to amend the law regarding labor; to require the creation of a poster regarding veterans’ benefits and services; to require certain employers to display the poster; and for other purposes. 

HB1666  – An act to amend the law concerning the Arkansas self-funded cyber response program; and for other purposes. 

HB1803 – An act to amend the law concerning the placement of a monument on the state capitol grounds in recognition and honor of Maurice Lee “Footsie” Britt; and for other purposes. 

HB1887 – An act to amend the law concerning statewide child abduction response teams; and for other purposes.

SB302 – An act to create the criminal offense of gift card fraud; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

SB314 – An act to amend the law concerning sexual solicitation; to amend the penalties for the offense of sexual solicitation; and for other purposes. 

SB375 – An act to create the offense of capital rape; to amend a portion of Arkansas code which resulted from initiated act 3 of 1936; and for other purposes. 

SB427 – An act to amend promoting prostitution offenses; to enhance the penalties for promoting prostitution in the first, second, and third degree; to create the offense of promoting prostitution at a business; and for other purposes. 

SB428 – An act concerning a civil cause of action for victims of human trafficking; to provide a statute of limitation period of ten years for a victim of human trafficking; and for other purposes. 

SB429 – An act amending certain laws for the protecting of human trafficking victims; to provide that human trafficking victims have certain rights; to amend the comprehensive criminal record sealing act of 2013 to expand the sealing of criminal records of victims of human trafficking; to provide that a no-contact order is mandatory for human trafficking offense; and for other purposes. 

SB430 – An act to require mandatory restitution to be awarded to a victim of human trafficking; to amend the Arkansas crime victims reparations act; and for other purposes. 

SB442 – An act to amend the law concerning human trafficking; to provide for forfeiture of assets used to conduct human trafficking; to create the offense of harboring an endangered runaway child; to create the Arkansas human trafficking council support fund; to amend the fine payments for human trafficking offenses and prostitution offenses; and for other purposes.

SB446 – An act to amend the automatic license plate reader system act; to provide for the use of automatic license plate readers by private landowners, private leaseholder, and commercial businesses; and for other purposes. 

SB449 – An act to provide civil immunity for confiscation of alternative nicotine products, vapor products, e-liquid products, tobacco products, and cigarette papers from a minor at a school; and for other purposes.

SB485 – An act to reduce recidivism; to amend the law concerning the suspended imposition of a sentence, probation, parole, and post-release supervision; and for other purposes. 

SB553 – An act to amend the Arkansas municipal accounting law; to amend the duties of a municipal treasurer; to require training for an individual charged with duties under the Arkansas municipal accounting law; and for other purposes.

HB1336 – An act to amend the law concerning the administration and benefit plans of the state police retirement system; to amend the survivors’ benefit options under the state police retirement system; to amend the provisions concerning the tier two deferred retirement option plan under the state police retirement system; and for other purposes. 

HB1416 – An act to amend the law concerning fire departments; to allow a volunteer fire department servicing unincorporated areas of the county to levy dues; and for other purposes. 

HB1454 – An act to amend the laws concerning criminal history records checks for employees of service providers; to allow third-party employee evaluation services to perform criminal history records checks; to include independent contractors; and for other purposes. 

HB1476 – An act to amend the direct shipment of vinous liquor act; to establish a wine direct shipper license; and for other purposes. 

HB1589 – An act to amend the law concerning the financial operations of a county; to amend the law concerning the annual county financial report; and for other purposes. 

HB1615 – An act to amend the law concerning religious nondiscrimination; and for other purposes. 

HB1692 – An act to amend the law concerning polygraph examiners and voice stress analysis examiners; to amend the law concerning private investigators and private security agencies; and for other purposes.  

HB1729 – An act to amend the homestead exemption act; to provide that a homestead owned by a limited liability company is eligible for the homestead exemption in certain circumstances; and for other purposes. 

HB1749 – An act to adopt the uniform trust decanting act; and for other purposes. 

HB1752 – An act to exempt certain savings plans from the execution of a judgement; and for other purposes. 

HB1763 – An act to amend the human trafficking act of 2013; to create the offense of unlawful use of a communication device during the commission of a human trafficking offense; and for other purposes. 

HB1777 – An act to amend the law concerning the offense of sexually grooming a child; to include bribing or attempting to bribe a child in the offense of sexually grooming a child; and for other purposes.

HB1780 – An act to amend the law concerning the retention of property related to a felony investigation; and for other purposes. 

HB1799 – An act to amend the permissible methods of reporting under the child maltreatment act; and for other purposes. 

HB1808 – An act to amend the law concerning municipal fire departments; to create the bill of rights for firefighters; and for other purposes. 

HB1815 – An act to amend the state’s jurisdiction over federal lands; to retain juvenile justice jurisdiction by the state; and for other purposes. 

HB1824 – An act to amend the law concerning cruelty to animals; to create the dog and cat rescue act; Daisy’s law; to authorize law enforcement officers to secure a dog or cat in certain circumstances; and for other purposes. 

HB1830 – An act to amend the law concerning the attorney general; to amend the law concerning the procurement of contingency fee contracts by the attorney general; and for other purposes. 

HB1831 – An act to amend the law concerning the use of settlement funds by the attorney general; and for other purposes. 

HB1835 – An act concerning specialty court programs; to amend the law concerning record sealing upon completion of a specialty court program; to update and clarify the law concerning drug court, mental health court, veterans court and DWI/BWI specialty court programs; and for other purposes. 

HB1839 – An act to amend the procedures for the declaration of legal death of a missing person; and for other purposes. 

HB1872 –  An act to amend the law concerning the fees that may be collected by a county sheriff; to allow a county sheriff to collect fees for attempted service in certain circumstances; and for other purposes. 

HB1931 – An act to create the recidivism reduction system within the Department of Corrections; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

SB390 – An act to establish the state apprenticeship agency act; and for other purposes. 

SB408 – An act to provide an income tax exemption for certain payments by the United States department of agriculture; and for other purposes. 

SB460 – An act to modify the compliance advisory panel; to repeal the marketing recyclables program of the compliance advisory panel; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes.

SB464  – An act to amend the laws concerning sales of raw milk; to allow sales of raw milk and raw milk products at locations other than the farm where raw milk or raw milk product is produced; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

SB492 – An act to amend the law concerning the relocation of utility facilities; to amend the law concerning the acquisition, condemnation, and disposition of real property by the state highway commission; to establish a process for the relocation of a utility facility located on a public right of way; and for other purposes. 

SB496 – An act to amend the law concerning permits for special cargoes; to amend the law concerning the issuance of a permit for special cargo transported by a farm machinery equipment hauler; and for other purposes. 

SB530 – An act to amend the Arkansas wood energy products and forest maintenance income tax credit; and for other purposes. 

SB540 – An act to amend the law concerning the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license for the inability to drive; to limit the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license or imposition or restrictions on a driver’s license of a person who has suffered a seizure; and for other purposes. 

SB550 – An act to amend the law concerning certain duties of the Arkansas livestock and poultry commission; to change the name of the Arkansas livestock and poultry commission to the Arkansas board of animal health; and for other purposes. 

SB562 – An act to amend the law concerning the office of internal audit; to repeal the requirement for an annual project review and efficiency study of the Arkansas department of transportation; and for other purposes. 

SB594 – An act to amend the law concerning exemptions for certificates of public convenience and necessity for new construction to supply a public service or to extend a public service; and for other purposes. 

HB1277 – An act to amend payments for corrective action regarding petroleum storage tanks; and for other purposes. 

HB1572  – An act to create a technical feasibility study on new nuclear energy generation; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

HB1582 – An act to amend the division of workforce services law; to require the state-maintained job board to match an individual with a job; to encourage an individual to apply for a job as part of his or her work search contracts; and for other purposes. 

HB1657  – An act to amend the Arkansas wood energy products and forest maintenance income tax credit; and for other purposes. 

HB1688 – An act to amend Arkansas law concerning the use of a dealer’s extra license plate; and for other purposes. 

HB1796 – An act to require the display of gender information on an Arkansas driver’s license or identification card; and for other purposes. 

HB1814 – An act to amend the law concerning municipal authority over utilities; to revise the definition of “public utility” under title 14, chapter 200; and for other purposes. 

HB1838 – An act to amend the law concerning probate actions; to amend the law concerning adoption and guardianship; and for other purposes. 

HB1851 – An act to amend the sales tax exemption for food, food ingredients, and prepared food sold in a public, common, high school, or college cafeteria or dining facility; and for other purposes. 

HB1891 – An act to amend the law concerning the requirements for filing as a candidate; to amend the la concerning the use of a prefix in filing as a candidate for a nonpartisan judicial office by an appointee to a nonpartisan judicial office; to allow a person filing as a candidate for the office of justice of the supreme court or judge of the court of appeals who is serving in that position as an appointee to use the title of that position as a prefix when filing as a candidate; and for other purposes. 

HB1896 – An act to create the junk fee eliminating act of 2025; abolish the information network of Arkansas; to transfer any remaining duties of the information network of Arkansas to the division of information systems; and for other purposes. 

SB494 – An act to amend the permits and annual privilege fees under the Arkansas tobacco products tax act of 1977; to reduce the number and types of permits issued by Arkansas tobacco control; to consolidate several permits into a single permit under the Arkansas tobacco products tax act of 1977; and for other purposes. 

SB495 – An act to amend definitions used under the Arkansas tobacco products tax act of 1977; to amend the definition of “invoice” and the definition of “invoice price” used under the Arkansas tobacco products tax act of 1977; and for other purposes. 

SB567 – An act to amend the multistate tax compact and the uniform division of income for tax purposes act; to amend and modernize the law concerning the apportionment of income derived from multistate operations; to change the method for sourcing of receipts for services and intangibles from cost of performance to market-based sourcing; and for other purposes. 

SB577– An act to amend the law concerning local sales and use taxes; to require the Department of Finance and Administration to notify local governments concerning sales and use taxes that are set to expire; and for other purposes. 

HB1265- An act to make an appropriation for personal services and operating expenses for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for the fiscal year ending in June 30, 2026; and for other purposes.

UAMS, CDC Find 3% of Arkansas 8-Year-Olds, 2.5% of 4-Year-Olds Diagnosed with Autism

By Yavonda Chase

LITTLE ROCK — One in 34 (3.0%) of 8-year-old children in Arkansas were identified with autism spectrum disorder by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) Arkansas Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (AR ADDM) program in 2022, according to an analysis published April 15 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Surveillance Summaries.

This percentage is about the same as the average percentage identified (3.2%) in all 16 communities the CDC tracks, highlighting the variability across ADDM sites.

Findings from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network offer critical insights about the number of children with autism spectrum disorder, the characteristics of those children, and the age at which they are first evaluated and diagnosed.

UAMS, CDC Find 3% of Arkansas 8-Year-Olds, 2.5% of 4-Year-Olds Diagnosed with Autism

One in 34 (3.0%) of 8-year-old children in Arkansas were identified with autism spectrum disorder by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) Arkansas Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (AR ADDM) program in 2022.

Bill banning DEI in Arkansas local government sent to governor’s desk

KUAR | By Ainsley Platt / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

Legislation banning diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices at the local level passed the Arkansas House of Representatives Monday, sending the bill to the governor’s desk.

Senate Bill 520 is one of several bills targeting culture war issues that have been taken up during the 2025 legislative session. The bill, if it becomes law, would prohibit DEI “offices, officers, policies, or practices in local government.”

Under the proposed law, local governments would be prohibited from implementing hiring and employment policies that take into account diversity, equity and inclusion, DEI offices, or programs, policies, practices or applicant statements that promote DEI.

Bill banning DEI in Arkansas local government sent to governor’s desk

Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate

State Rep. Alyssa Brown speaks in favor of bill that would prohibit DEI in local government on April 14, 2025.

Attorney General Griffin leads multistate letter asking Congress to prohibit Pharmacy Benefit Managers from owning or operating pharmacies

Griffin: ‘It Is Far Past Time That We Act To Restore The Balance Of Competition And Ensure That PBMs Only Play The Role They Were Always Meant To Play’

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement after leading a bipartisan coalition of 39 states and territories in sending a letter to Congress asking it to prohibit pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning or operating pharmacies:

“PBMs are third-party administrators of prescription drug programs for health plans, and as such they heavily influence drug prices for pharmacies. Over the past few decades, PBMs have increasingly moved into the space of pharmacy ownership and operation. This has allowed them to set certain drug prices for pharmacies they control while setting less competitive prices for independent pharmacies and others outside their scope of influence.

Carolina Journal Image

“While this practice hurts small businesses, it ultimately hurts consumers by driving down competition. The letter that I led alongside the attorneys general of Massachusetts, Missouri, and Vermont urges Congress to take action and protect consumers by enacting a law prohibiting PBMs or their parent companies from owning or operating pharmacies.

“We have stood by for too long and watched PBMs’ influence encroach on consumers and small businesses. It is far past time that we act to restore the balance of competition and ensure that PBMs only play the role they were always meant to play.”

In addition to Griffin, the attorneys general of the following states and territories also signed on to the letter sent by Arkansas: Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

To read the letter, click here.

Sanders Signs Executive Order to Provide Relief for Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding on or About April 2, 2025

Scene of flooding in Arkansas, April 6-7, 2025. (Division of Agriculture image.)

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS:    
                      
EO 25-08: EXECUTIVE ORDER TO PROVIDE RELIEF PURSUANT TO THE EMERGENCY DECLARED IN EXECUTIVE ORDER 25-07. 

WHEREAS:​ On April 2, 2025, severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes began in Arkansas, and continue to cause danger, hardship, and suffering throughout the state; 

WHEREAS: Adverse circumstances have been brought to bear upon citizens and public properties within the State of Arkansas and certain political subdivisions require assistance from the state to recover from these losses;

WHEREAS: On April 2, 2025, by Executive Order 25-07, a state of emergency was declared in Arkansas as a result of the severe weather outbreak, pursuant to the Emergency Services Act, codified at Ark. Code Ann. §§ 12-75-101, et seq.; 

WHEREAS: Ark. Code Ann. § 12-75-114(e)(1) authorizes the Governor to suspend any regulatory statutes if compliance with those statutes would delay action in coping with the declared emergency;

WHEREAS: Ark. Code Ann. § 26-18-505 authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration to grant a reasonable extension of time to file any return required under any state tax law upon written request for good cause shown. Good cause includes when any taxpayer is affected by a disaster emergency declared by the Governor; and

WHEREAS: Strict compliance with certain statutes would hinder necessary action in coping with the emergency in the following affected counties:

Arkansas CountyAshley CountyBaxter CountyCalhoun CountyChicot CountyClark CountyClay CountyCleveland CountyColumbia CountyConway CountyCraighead CountyCrawford CountyCrittenden CountyCross CountyDallas CountyDesha CountyDrew CountyFaulkner CountyFranklin CountyFulton CountyGarland CountyGrant CountyGreene CountyHempstead CountyHot Spring CountyIndependence CountyIzard CountyJackson CountyJefferson CountyLafayette CountyLawrence CountyLee CountyLincoln CountyLittle River CountyLonoke CountyMarion CountyMiller CountyMississippi CountyMontgomery CountyNevada CountyNewton CountyOuachita CountyPerry CountyPhillips CountyPike CountyPoinsett CountyPolk CountyPope CountyPrairie CountyPulaski CountyRandolph CountySaline CountyScott CountySearcy CountySebastian CountySevier CountySharp CountySt Francis CountyStone CountyUnion CountyVan Buren CountyWhite CountyWoodruff County

NOW THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas and pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. §§ 12-75-101, et seq., and the state of emergency declared in Executive Order 25-07, do hereby order the following:

1. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration is hereby ordered to extend the 2024 income tax filing date and income tax payment date and 2024 pass through entity tax filing date and pass-through entity tax payment date from April 15, 2025, to July 31, 2025, for those citizens who reside or whose businesses are located in the affected counties. This extension includes 2024 returns of Individuals, Subchapter S Corporations, C Corporations, Pass-Through Entities, Fiduciaries and Estates, Partnerships, and Composite returns.

2. Individuals and entities in the affected counties will have until July 31, 2025, to file income tax and pass-through entity returns and pay income and pass-through entity taxes that were originally due between April 2, 2025, and July 31, 2025.

3. This relief includes return and extension payments due between April 2, 2025, and July 31, 2025.

4. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration is hereby ordered to extend the deadline under Ark. Code Ann. § 26-51-913(a)(2) to make a quarterly estimated income tax payment between April 2, 2025, and June 30, 2025, for those citizens and businesses located in the affected counties to July 31, 2025.

5. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration is hereby ordered to extend the deadline under Ark. Code Ann. § 26-65-107(b)(1) to make a quarterly estimated pass-through entity tax payment between April 2, 2025, and June 30, 2025, for those citizens and businesses located in the affected counties to July 31, 2025.

6. The provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 26-18-505(a)(1) requiring a written request for an extension to file an individual income tax return are hereby waived through July 31, 2025, for citizens who reside or whose businesses are located in the affected counties.

7. The provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 26-18-505(a)(4) requiring the promulgation of rules to waive the requirement for a written request for an extension are hereby waived through July 31, 2025. 

8. The provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 27-16-805 and § 27-16-806 requiring payment of a fee for a duplicate driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card are hereby waived for citizens who reside in the affected counties from the date of this order through July 31, 2025.

9. The provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 27-14-705(e) requiring payment of a $10.00 fee for expedited title processing service are hereby waived for affected citizens who reside in the affected counties from the date of this order through July 31, 2025.

10. The provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 26-18-508 and § 26-52-510(a)(4) assessing interest and penalty for failure to timely register a vehicle are hereby waived for citizens who reside in the affected counties from the date of this order through July 31, 2025.

11. The provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 27-14-1004(a) assessing penalty for failure to timely register a vehicle or renew a vehicle registration are hereby waived for citizens who reside in the affected counties from the date of this order through July 31, 2025.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed on this 11th day of April, in the year of our Lord 2025.

President Trump Approves Arkansas’ Emergency Request Amid Flooding

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that President Trump has approved Arkansas’ request for an Emergency Declaration for Direct Federal Assistance to assist Arkansas with the state response to storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on April 2, 2025, and is ongoing. Arkansas is already experiencing flooding after last night’s rainfall and of particular concern are the Buffalo River, Spring River, Little Red River, Cache River, Black River, Saline River, Ouachita River, Eleven Point River, Mississippi River, Petit Jean River, Little River, and White River. 

The Governor’s letter to the President is linked here.

“I’m so thankful to President Trump for always jumping into quick action and ensuring the American people are safe and taken care of. We appreciate his administration’s proactive response to this storm,” said Governor Sanders. “With these additional federal resources, Arkansas will have the capacity to respond to this flooding more effectively, shore up property and roadways, and save lives.”

Arkansas is specifically receiving:

• Category B, limited to Direct Federal Assistance, statewide

White River Flooding - NARA & DVIDS Public Domain

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Mark O. Hardin, M.D., Joins UAMS

By Linda Satter

LITTLE ROCK — Mark O. Hardin, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon with a focus on adult cardiac surgery, has joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine Department of Surgery.

Hardin received his medical degree from UAMS in 2007 and has returned after spending several years as a general surgeon in the U.S. Army and three years as a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at the Arkansas Heart Hospital.

“We are so pleased to have Dr. Hardin join the Department of Surgery,” said Ronald Robertson, M.D., chair of the department. “He brings an exceptional skill set in cardiovascular surgery. We look forward to growth in cardiovascular surgery under the leadership of Dr. Hardin and Dr. Streitman.”

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Mark O. Hardin, M.D., Joins UAMS

Mark O. Hardin, M.D.

Severe weather (4/4) and continued heavy rainfall expected for much of Arkansas Friday - NWS/NOAA

The threat for severe weather continues for this Friday into Friday night. All modes of severe weather will be possible including very large hail, damaging winds and even a few tornadoes.

Specifics About Hazards (If Any): A warm front will lift northward into Arkansas today, eventually stalling out once again across the north-central and west-central sections of the state. Conditions along and south of the front will become very unstable by this afternoon as temperatures warm into the 80s. All modes of severe weather will be possible, including damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes. A few long- track tornadoes cannot be ruled out.

There is a high risk for excessive rainfall today into tonight for a large portion of the state. Several inches of rainfall are possible, which may lead to flash and river flooding.

Thunderstorms will remain likely on Saturday into Saturday night, with strong to severe weather potential remaining. All modes of severe weather will be possible Saturday afternoon and evening, including large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes. The highest threat for severe weather on Saturday will be across the southeastern two-thirds of the area.

Areas of heavy rainfall will continue on Saturday into Saturday night as well, with the threat for flash and river flooding continuing to remain a very significant hazard.

Expect the threat for heavy rainfall and severe weather to exit the region by Sunday afternoon. Some areas could see temperatures dropping into the low and mid 30s Sunday and Monday mornings. This may result in some frost or freeze conditions for some areas over northwestern portions of the state. Otherwise, the threat for hazardous weather will become low into the middle of next week.

Several inches of additional rainfall are expected through Sunday morning. Most areas could see an additional 4 to 6 inches, with some areas seeing potentially over 8 inches.

Spotter Activation (Day 1 - Friday/Friday Night): (More Widespread Severe Weather). Scattered to numerous severe storms are expected. The focus area includes much of Arkansas. You can help by monitoring and forwarding severe weather information. If there are strong to severe storms (i.e. wind damage, quarter size hail or larger, etc.) at your location, please consider submitting a report via an online form found here. Thank you for your assistance!

Bill limiting complexity of ballot titles advances in Arkansas Legislature

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

Arkansas Lawmakers have advanced another bill changing the state’s direct democracy process.

Members of a Senate committee on Thursday advanced House Bill 1713, which requires all titles of citizen-led ballot initiatives and constitutional amendments to be written at or below an eighth-grade reading level. The bill’s Senate co-sponsor, Sen. Mark Johnson, R-Little Rock, said it’s an effort to make the process more accessible to voters.

“People have points to argue, but if they’re clear that if you believe this way you’re for it and if you believe the opposite then you’re against it, that’s the way the process is supposed to work. We’re not trying to confuse people,” he said.

Bill limiting complexity of ballot titles advances in Arkansas Legislature

The latest Severe Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service in Little Rock

• [WHAT] Severe weather and heavy rainfall. ○ Very large hail, damaging wind gusts and tornadoes. ○ Extremely heavy rainfall, more than 10 inches possible. Flash flooding and river flooding likely

• [WHEN] Late Tuesday night through Saturday night. ○ Severe weather threat timeframes: ■ (1) Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (mainly across the far northwest corner) ■ (2) Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night (entire state) ■ (3) Thursday afternoon through Thursday night (all but NW Arkansas) ○ Heavy rainfall and resulting flash/river flooding threat Wednesday through Saturday.

• [WHERE] Most of the state will be at risk for severe weather and heavy rainfall

The 10th annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program launched

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture will partner with Farm Credit for the 10th annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program. In 2024, the Department awarded over $11,500 in grants to 21 Arkansas farmers markets through the Farm Credit partnership.

This program supports local farmers markets by increasing awareness and providing funding assistance to help these markets serve their communities as consumer interest in locally grown and made products continues to increase.

“Farmers markets are essential in connecting local producers to consumers and strengthening rural economies,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “We have over 111 farmers markets across Arkansas and, according to recent data, 1,436 farms sell directly to consumers, generating $8.5 million in sales. These markets are vital to enhancing local food systems, and we’re proud to partner with Farm Credit to help ensure their continued success.”

The 10th annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program launched