On Monday, the Arkansas House of Representatives passed several bills addressing key issues across the state.

SB182 was approved to ensure county employees continue receiving pay even if a city or county fails to pass its annual budget. Under this legislation, the previous year’s budget will remain in effect until a new one is adopted. With an emergency clause, the bill is set to take immediate effect upon signing by the Governor, ensuring employees in Jefferson County, who have gone without pay this year due to a budget dispute, will receive compensation.

The House also passed SB58, which lifts restrictions on nonprofit, tax-exempt, and governmentally funded hospitals from obtaining licensed pharmacy permits for retail drug sales.

Additionally, HB1049 was passed to criminalize unlawful squatting, defining it as residing in a property without ownership, tenancy, or a valid agreement. The bill classifies first offenses as a Class B misdemeanor, second offenses as a Class A misdemeanor, and third offenses as a Class D felony.

HB1222 was approved to require the Attorney General to review ballot titles for conflicts with the U.S. Constitution and federal law while also prohibiting the submission of multiple initiative and referendum petitions.

Another bill, HB1279, amends the Arkansas Egg Marketing Act, allowing retailers to replace missing or broken eggs in containers with others from the same packer, grade, size, and expiration date.

The House will reconvene on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.