On Tuesday, the House adopted HJR1006. This resolution is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow lottery proceeds to provide scholarships and grants to Arkansans enrolled in vocational-technical schools and technical institutes.

The House also passed the following bills:

HB1688-This bill amends public school funding. It increases per-pupil funding from the current amount of $7,413 to $7,618 for the 2023-2024 school year. The bill would increase the amount to $7,771 for the 2024-2025 school year. 

HB1786-This bill requires that the performance of any abortion to save the life of the mother must take place in a hospital or emergency room.

HB1514-This bill requires that opioid overdose rescue kits be located on each campus of each public high school and state-supported institution of higher education.

HB1013-This bill establishes a path to restoration of the right to possess a firearm for individuals convicted of a non-violent felony.

HB1736-This bill requires the perils of communism and autocratic governments to be taught in all public schools in grades 7-12.

HB1758-This bill creates an enhanced penalty for commercial burglary of a pharmacy. The bill states upon conviction an individual could be subject to an additional 5 years of imprisonment.

HB1456-This bill creates the Fentanyl Enforcement and Accountability Act of 2023. It creates the offense of aggravated death by delivery for individuals who knowingly deliver fentanyl and causes the death of another person. It states a person who commits the offense and is found guilty shall be sentenced to a term of no less than 20 years no more than 60 years, or life. If the person who delivers fentanyl causes the death of a minor, he or she shall be sentenced to life in prison.

HB1663 - This bill creates the offense of knowingly exposing another person to fentanyl.

HB1689-This bill amends the current public school funding act and creates the Comprehensive Investment in Student Achievement Act.

HB1738-This bill creates the Parents’ Bill of Rights. It states a parent may review teaching materials, textbooks, lesson plans, and instructional material used in their child’s classroom.

It also states a parent may remove the child temporarily from a class or school activity if it conflicts with the parent’s religious or moral beliefs.

The House will reconvene on Wednesday at 1 p.m.