On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed HB1832. This bill would give the Arkansas Court of Appeals the exclusive original jurisdiction over a facial constitutional challenge in which a party seeks to have a provision of an act of the General Assembly, a provision of the Arkansas Code, or an administrative rule or regulation declared unconstitutional.

HB1917 was also passed, which amends the Arkansas Student-Athlete Publicity Rights Act to allow institutions to pay student-athletes directly. HB1960, another bill passed, establishes that a lessee of a leased vehicle is considered the owner for property tax assessment and payment purposes.

Additionally, HB1982 was passed, creating the Tire Management and Recycling Act. HB1915, which directs the Department of Human Services to request a waiver for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to raise the asset limit to $6,000, was also approved. HB1017 was passed, mandating the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to cover costs associated with paid maternity leave for public school employees. The House also passed HB1916, which amends the Protecting Minors from Medical Malpractice Act of 2023 to include gender-affirming interventions under the scope of medical malpractice claims. HB1926 was passed, stating that when considering the revocation or suspension of a driver's license, the court should consider several factors such as the defendant’s income, housing, transportation, and childcare costs. 

In the realm of public health, SB9, known as the Make Arkansas Healthy Again Act, was approved. This legislation will ban the manufacturing, sale, distribution, or offering for sale of food products containing Potassium bromate or Propylparaben beginning January 1, 2028. The House also passed SB302, which introduces a new criminal offense for gift card fraud. SB426, another measure that passed, sets enhanced penalties for individuals unlawfully in the United States who commit serious violent felonies. Lastly, the House passed SB375, a bill creating the offense of capital rape.