The public health emergency will continue in Arkansas for another 60 days. The Governor made the request for the extension to the Arkansas Legislative Council this morning.

This afternoon, the House passed several bills, including the following:

HB1237-This bill states that at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, a public school district board of directors may elect to implement an alternate school calendar.  An alternate school calendar shall consist of at least 1,068 hours of instructional time. Currently, state law requires 178 days of instructional time.  This law gives schools more flexibility on a start date and length of a school day.

HB1264-This bill creates the Small Town Economic Development Act. This bill amends the exemptions to the licensing requirements for architects to buildings whose fair market value does not exceed $250,000. The current exemption is for buildings under $100,000.

HB1642-This bill states that a public housing authority shall require compliance by a custodial parent or noncustodial parent as a condition of eligibility for housing benefits and assistance.

SB18-This bill states in cases concerning child custody, there is a rebuttable presumption that joint custody is in the child's best interest.

HB1702-This bill states that a person operating a bicycle upon a crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.

HB1671-This bill establishes the Arkansas Student-Athlete Publicity Rights Act. It allows student-athletes in higher education to enter into a contract and receive compensation for the commercial use of the student athlete’s name, image, and likeness.

HB1446-This bill allows children of military families to be eligible for succeed scholarship.

SB470-This bill establishes the Online Marketplace Consumer Inform Act. It would require an online market facilitator to collect information, including business name, address, email, and phone number. High volume sellers would be required to have this information accessible to consumers on their website.

The House will convene on Tuesday at 1 pm.