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

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Sanders, ADPHT, ADH Announce Outdoor Recreation Grant Awards

$468,838.69 awarded to projects in four cities

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – On Wednesday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined Secretary Shea Lewis, Secretary Renee Mallory, and Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Katherine Andrews to present $468,838.69 in Outdoor Recreation Grants to projects in four cities across the state. The Sanders Administration revived Great Strides in 2024 after the program went dormant in 2017, fulfilling one of the recommendations of the Natural State Initiative. The funding for this grant program comes from Arkansas’ Tobacco Settlement Fund. 

“The focus of the Great Strides program since we restarted it has been to make every part of Arkansas, particularly our smaller communities, great places to live and raise a family by investing in outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Governor Sanders. “Thank you to the teams at the Departments of Health and Parks, Heritage and Tourism who made these investments possible – and more importantly, thank you to the four communities receiving this funding for their desire and hard work to improve every Arkansans’ quality of life.”

“These grants exemplify our shared commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities for all Arkansans, reflecting the bold vision of the Governor’s Natural State Initiative,” said Secretary Shea Lewis of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “When we support outdoor recreation, we’re doing more than improving parks and pathways—we’re investing in public health, economic growth, and quality of life.”

“We are thrilled to be able to give communities the resources they need to design outdoor spaces that provide more opportunities for healthy living,” said Renee Mallory, Secretary of Health. “Outdoor trails can improve our physical, mental, and social health and wellness and allow for healthier lifestyle choices for ourselves, our families, and our communities.”

“Today, we celebrate four different communities in Arkansas that now have the opportunity to expand and improve their access to outdoor recreation,” said Katherine Andrews, Director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation. “It is an honor that we can continue to provide these grants to communities that want to create new connections to the outdoors for their residents.”

The 2025 Great Strides grant recipients are:

• Denning, $73,897.50, City of Denning Park Trail

• Keo, $114,192, City of Keo Park Trail

• Ozan, $121,200, City of Ozan Park Trail 

• Sulphur Springs, $159,550, City of Sulphur Springs Park Trail

Recipient communities will use these grant funds to establish health and fitness trails that encourage physical activity and provide health benefits through safe and easily accessible facilities.

Since 2001, the Great Strides program has funded 105 projects in 58 counties, totaling $3,832,315.60. 

Governor Sanders Invests in Arkansas’ Water Resources

Legislation provides $575 million for water infrastructure development

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed three major pieces of legislation during the 2025 legislative session making large investments in Arkansas’ water infrastructure.
 
“If our state is going to continue to grow and thrive, then every Arkansan needs access to safe and reliable water infrastructure,” said Governor Sanders. “I was proud to work with the legislature to support this legislation and invest more than half a billion dollars in Arkansas’ water issues, and I will work closely with the Department of Agriculture to ensure we provide assistance to the communities that need it most.”
 
SB420, now Act 736, allows more private entities to convert to public water authorities, allowing them to apply for additional state funding. HB1681, now Act 812, establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program, providing $25 million from interest earnings per year over the next three years to water and sewer facilities, with 20% earmarked for rural systems serving 1,200 people or fewer.
 
SB421, now Act 578, creates a ballot initiative for the 2026 election that, if approved, would provide $500 million in water and wastewater project funding through 2043, paid for through loan repayments and no increase to state general revenue. Arkansas’ existing bond authority is set to expire in the summer of 2027.
 
“Reliable water and wastewater infrastructure is vital for the sustainability of communities and industries throughout our state as well as the quality of life for every Arkansan,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “We appreciate Governor Sanders’ continued leadership to ensure the long-term success of our state.” 
 
“This legislative package provides critical tools to improve how we plan, fund, and deliver water projects across the state,” said Chris Colclasure, Director of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division. “We appreciate the Governor’s leadership and look forward to working with communities and partners to implement these programs and make meaningful progress where it’s needed most.” 
 

“From Arkansas’ fastest growing urban areas to our most rural communities, we have critical water needs,” said Sen. Bart Hester. “I am proud of the work from my colleagues and Governor Sanders on actions taken this session to address these needs that will be felt in our communities very soon.”

“As Arkansas takes proactive steps to enhance water development programs, the recent approval of SB420 and SB421 by the State Legislature signals a crucial milestone in fostering sustainable water infrastructure,” said Rep. Howard M. Beaty Jr. These bills not only expand funding and eligibility, but underscore the state’s commitment to ensuring a cleaner and more accessible water supply for all Arkansans. The future looks brighter with these legislative advancements paving the way for a more resilient water landscape.”
 
“Clean water isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity,” said Rep. DeAnn Vaught. “This legislation is a crucial first step toward repairing what’s broken, preparing for the future, and ensuring every Arkansas community has the water infrastructure it needs to thrive.”
 
Since taking office, Governor Sanders, through the Department of Agriculture, has overseen $2.5 billion in investments in 478 community water and wastewater projects in all of Arkansas’ 75 counties. She initiated a comprehensive review and update of the state’s Water Plan in the summer of 2023, and that update is set to be completed next year. The Governor also began an inventory of Arkansas’ levees last year – the state’s first-ever full inventory of all levees – to better prepare for flooding events. She championed critical investments in emergency equipment for the Arkansas Rural Water Association to assist water and wastewater systems in times of need. She took action to address the City of Helena West-Helena’s water system issues, including approving loans, providing potable water, and offering Arkansas National Guard Assistance.

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.

Governor reveals two vetoes on final day of session

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Gov. Sarah Sanders on Wednesday (April 16) announced two vetoes — a bill veto and a line-item veto — her first two vetoes of the 95th General Assembly.

Her first announced veto was HB 1889, which was sponsored by Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Knoxville, and Sen. Joshua Bryant, R-Rogers.

HB 1889 would amend the limitations on access to a medical marijuana dispensary or cultivation facility. It would also alter the existing law on medical marijuana prescription orders being delivered via a delivery vehicle or drive-thru window.

Governor reveals two vetoes on final day of session

Sanders submits waiver to ban soft drinks, unhealthy drinks, and candy from Food Stamps Program

Flickr Image

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today submitted a waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcing her plan to ban soft drinks and candy from Arkansas’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also referred to as food stamps.
 
“President Trump and his administration have put a laser focus on solving America’s chronic disease epidemic and reforming our food stamp program is a great place to start,” said Governor Sanders. “Banning soft drinks and candy from food stamps will remove some of the least-healthy, most-processed foods from the program and encourage low-income Arkansans to eat better. Arkansas leads the nation in common-sense, conservative reforms and I was proud to work with Secretary Rollins to make this move and take a strong first step toward broader changes to our food stamp program.”
 
“Helping Arkansans improve their health is a top priority for our agency across all programs, and encouraging people to use their SNAP benefits for healthier foods is an important step that we believe will be truly beneficial to the people we serve. This reform will put more nutritious options on the tables of more than 100,000 households across Arkansas who receive SNAP benefits every month. We are eager to implement these changes, and appreciate Gov. Sanders’ leadership and USDA Secretary Rollins’ support as we work to better the health of our entire state,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Kristi Putnam.
 
In addition to banning soft drinks and candy from food stamps, this waiver also requests the addition of rotisserie chicken – an affordable, healthy protein source – to the list of eligible SNAP benefits. The State plans to use the GS1 US food categorization system to implement these policy changes.
 
Food stamps are a $119 billion federal program designed to supplement the lowest-income Americans’ nutritional needs. However, about 23% of food stamp spending – $27 billion annually – now goes toward soft drinks, unhealthy snacks, candy, and desserts. One-third of Arkansans have diabetes or pre-diabetes.
 
Studies have consistently shown the link between the overconsumption of sugary, highly processed foods like soft drinks and candy and chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. One study from Stanford found that just banning sugary drinks from food stamps could prevent obesity in 141,000 kids and Type 2 diabetes in 240,000 adults.
 
The Sanders Administration is working across the board to eliminate food insecurity. Earlier this year, Governor Sanders signed SB59 into law, providing every student in Arkansas with free school breakfast. The legislation also repurposes Medical Marijuana tax revenue to ensure both Summer EBT and Arkansas’ free lunch and breakfast programs are fully funded into the future.
 
Governor Sanders previously announced Arkansas will continue its Summer EBT program this year after serving 260,000 last summer. The Governor previously signed legislation to provide free school lunches for students who previously qualified for reduced-price meals.
 
Sanders mailed Arkansas’ waiver to USDA today, opening up a 30-day public comment period in Arkansas. She previously announced her intent to pursue this waiver in December, 2024.
 
A copy of the waiver is here and a copy of the Governor’s letter accompanying the waiver is 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