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House Speaker Matthew Shepherd talks up the substitute hate crimes bill that passed Monday. A watered-down substitute for a hate crime bill passed the House Monday, leaving Arkansas still among the only three states without meaningful legislation to protect commonly targeted groups. The House passed Senate Bill 622 with 65 yes votes, 26 nos and five lawmakers voting present. The bill already has Senate approval, and now heads to the governor’s desk. Governor Hutchinson has indicated he will sign the bill into law. Advertisement House members pass SB 622, a substit...

Credit Arkansas House By a close voice vote, which was denied the chance for a roll call, the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday advanced Senate Bill 622. It could be voted on by the House as early as Monday. Under the legislation, Arkansans convicted of a felony involving violence who are found to be seeking out victims because they are members of a "recognizable and identifiable group or class," must serve at least 80% of their sentences. However, the bill does not use the term "hate crimes." Some critics of this bill, but who backed the original, bipartisan supported hate crimes bill th...

State Senate confirms appointment of Dr. Jose Romero as Secretary of Health AR Senate confirms appointment of Dr. Jose Romero as Secretary of Health By Region 8 Newsdesk | April 8, 2021 at 2:13 PM CDT - Updated April 8 at 6:21 PM LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT) - The State Senate on Thursday voted 25-8 to confirm the appointment of Dr. Jose Romero as Arkansas Secretary of Health after a debate on the Senate floor. Romero was appointed last year as interim secretary of health by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Later in August 2020, Gov. Hutchinson made the appointment official. According to content partner...

Arkansas committee passes basic habitability standards for renters, but more battles ahead Arkansas committee passes basic habitability standards for renters, but more battles ahead Caleb Alexander-McKinzie, an advocate for renters, speaks up for minimal habitability standards in Arkansas. Lawmakers on the House Insurance and Commerce committee narrowly passed a significantly amended bill Wednesday that would insure most rental properties in the state meet minimal standards to protect the health and safety of tenants. Committee Chair Mark Lowery (R-Maumelle) cast t...

Lawmakers head back to Capitol Monday, with many issues still left on the plate There are several key issues on the agenda this week at the Capitol, including the debate over the Stand Your Ground bill. (Source: ABC/NBC) By Region 8 Newsdesk | February 21, 2021 at 3:22 PM CST - Updated February 21 at 3:22 PM LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT) - The winter weather that hammered the state of Arkansas kept lawmakers away from the state Capitol last week. However, warmer temperatures have unthawed many roads, clearing the way for debate to continue Monday in Little Rock. There are several key issu...