The Arkansas House of Representatives had a busy Wednesday, passing a series of bills that impact everything from employee pay and consumer protections to crime penalties and vehicle modifications.

Among the bills passed was SB392, which adjusts the classification and compensation of state employees to ensure their salaries align with labor market rates. HB1820 was also approved, requiring that consumers be able to cancel automatic renewals and continuous service offers using the same method they originally used to enroll.

The House passed HB1826, mandating insurance coverage for births at licensed birthing centers, and HB1851, clarifying that food ingredients and prepared meals sold in public high school and college dining facilities are exempt from sales tax.

Privacy concerns were addressed with HB1148, making it illegal to use unmanned aircraft systems to capture images of individuals or private property for surveillance. Additionally, HB1865 introduced enhanced penalties for crimes against children, including homicide, assault, and trafficking, with a minimum sentence of 30 years for a Class Y felony.

HB1824 gives law enforcement officers the authority to temporarily secure dogs or cats if their condition is at risk of deteriorating without intervention.

On the medical marijuana front, the House approved HB1889, allowing dispensaries to deliver orders via a delivery vehicle or drive-through window, along with SB305, which mandates testing for processed marijuana products before they are sold.

Vehicle modifications were also addressed with SB411, which prohibits altering a vehicle’s suspension, frame, or chassis in a way that causes the front bumper to sit at least four inches higher than the rear bumper.