94th Arkansas General Assembly

Last updated
94th Arkansas General Assembly
93rd 95th
Arkansas State Capitol.jpg
Arkansas State Capitol (2009)
Overview
Meeting place Arkansas State Capitol
TermJanuary 9, 2023 (2023-01-09) – May 1, 2023 (2023-05-01)
Websitewww.arkleg.state.ar.us/
Arkansas Senate
Arkansas Senate Arch 6d29r.svg
Senate party standings
Members35 (29 R, 6 D)
President of the Senate Leslie Rutledge (R)
President Pro Tempore of the Senate Bart Hester (R)
Majority Leader Blake Johnson (R)
Minority Leader Greg Leding (D)
Party control Republican Party
House of Representatives
Members100 (82 R, 18 D)
House Speaker Matthew Shepherd (R)
Speaker pro Tempore Jon Eubanks (R)
Majority Leader Marcus E. Richmond (R)
Minority Leader Tippi McCullough (D)
Party control Republican Party
Sessions
1stJanuary 9, 2023 – May 1, 2023
2ndSeptember 11, 2023 – September 14, 2023
3rdApril 10, 2024 – May 9, 2024
4thJune 17, 2024 – June 19, 2024

The Ninety-Forth Arkansas General Assembly is the legislative body of the state of Arkansas in 2023 and 2024. The Arkansas Senate and Arkansas House of Representatives were both controlled by the Republicans. In the Senate, 29 senators were Republicans and 6 were Democrats. In the House, 82 representatives were Republicans and 18 were Democrats.

Contents

Sessions

The Regular Session of the 94th General Assembly opened on January 9, 2023. [1] It adjourned sine die on May 1, 2023. [2]

A special session was called by Governor of Arkansas Sarah Huckabee Sanders to begin September 11, 2023 to consider tax cuts and changes to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) law. [3] It ended after four days. [4] The special session ended with an amendment to the FOIA law exempting information regarding travel on the state airplane, operated by the Arkansas State Police for use by the Governor of Arkansas and other constitutional officers. Several other provisions proposed by the governor to be exempted from FOIA, including deliberations among state officials, policy recommendations, and other information, were withdrawn after receiving broad bipartisan opposition. [5] [6]

The legislature assembled for the fiscal session on April 10, 2024. Governor Sanders' proposed $6.31 billion budget in 2024, with a 2% increase for 2025. The budget included large increases to fund school vouchers created by the Learns Act, as well as the Arkansas State Police and Arkansas Department of Corrections, with reductions to higher education. [7] The budget was approved, but a standoff emerged over setting a potential cap on the salary for the director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The fiscal session adjourned May 9, 2024 without establishing funding for the commission, the first time the legislature had failed to fund a state agency during a fiscal session in over 30 years. [8]

A second special session was called by Governor Sanders to cut taxes and fund the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission on June 17, 2024. The legislature reduced the top individual income tax rate to 3.9% and the state’s top corporate income tax rate to 4.3%, with no changes to lower income and middle income earners. Due to a disagreement about a cap on the director's possible salary, the legislature had allocated $0 to the Game and Fish Commission in the fiscal session, which typically received over $100 million to fund operations. Though the House and Senate had ultimately concurred on a compromise, the House had adjourned before it was approved during the fiscal session, requiring reconvening in a special session for ratification. [9] [10] The House also passed a resolution urging voters to vote against the Arkansas Right to Abortion Initiative's initiated constitutional amendment [11] (which was ultimately not on the ballot in Arkansas). [12] The special session adjourned June 19, 2024.


Major legislation

The legislature passed 889 new laws during the regular session. The signature legislation included Governor Sanders' campaign priorities of education reform (Arkansas Learns Act), tax cuts, and culture war issues like transgender rights to book access at libraries. [2]

Senate

Leadership

Officers

OfficeOfficerPartyDistrict
President/Lieutenant Governor Leslie Rutledge RepublicanN/A
President Pro Tempore of the Senate Bart Hester Republican33
Assistant Pro Tempore, 1st District Dan Sullivan Republican20
Assistant Pro Tempore, 2nd District Clarke Tucker Democrat14
Assistant Pro Tempore, 3rd District Jim Dotson Republican34
Assistant Pro Tempore, 4th District Breanne Davis Republican25

Floor Leaders

OfficeOfficer [13] PartyDistrict
Majority Leader Blake Johnson Republican21
Majority Whip Ricky Hill Republican11
Minority Leader Greg Leding Democratic30
Minority Whip Linda Chesterfield Democratic12

Senators

DistrictNamePartyResidenceFirst electedSeat upTerm-limited
1 Ben Gilmore Rep Crossett 202020242032
2 Matt Stone Rep Camden 202220262034
3 Steve Crowell Rep Magnolia 202220262034
4 Jimmy Hickey Jr. Rep Texarkana 201220242028
5 Terry Rice Rep Waldron 201420222030
6 Matt McKee Rep Pearcy 202220262034
7 Alan Clark Rep Lonsdale 201220242028
8 Stephanie Flowers Dem Pine Bluff 201020242026
9 Reginald Murdock Dem Marianna 201020262026
10 Ron Caldwell Rep Wynne 201220242028
11 Ricky Hill Rep Cabot 2018 (special)20242034
12 Linda Chesterfield Dem Little Rock 201020222026
13 Jane English Rep North Little Rock 201220242028
14 Clarke Tucker Dem Little Rock 201420242032
15 Fredrick Love Dem Mabelvale 201020262026
16 Kim Hammer Rep Benton 201820222034
17 Mark Johnson Rep Little Rock 201820222034
18 Jonathan Dismang Rep Beebe 201020242026
19 Dave Wallace Rep Leachville 201620242032
20 Dan Sullivan Rep Jonesboro 201420242030
21 Blake Johnson Rep Corning 201420222030
22 John Payton Rep Wilburn 201220262028
23 Scott Flippo Rep Mountain Home 201420222030
24 Missy Irvin Rep Mountain View 201020222026
25 Breanne Davis Rep Russellville 2018 (special)20242034
26 Gary Stubblefield Rep Branch 201220222028
27 Justin Boyd Rep Fort Smith 201420262030
28 Bryan King Rep Green Forest 201320262034
29 Jim Petty Rep Van Buren 202220262034
30 Greg Leding Dem Fayetteville 201820262034
31 Clint Penzo Rep Springdale 201620242032
12 Joshua P. Bryant Rep Rogers 202020242032
33 Bart Hester Rep Cave Springs 201220242028
34 Jim Dotson Rep Bentonville 201220262028
35 Tyler Dees Rep Siloam Springs 202220262034

    House of Representatives

    Leadership

    Officers

    OfficeOfficer [13] PartyDistrict
    Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives Matthew Shepherd Republican97
    Speaker Pro Tempore Jon Eubanks Republican46
    Assistant Speaker pro tempore, 1st District Charlene Fite Republican24
    Assistant Speaker pro tempore, 2nd District Jack Ladyman Republican32
    Assistant Speaker pro tempore, 3rd District DeAnn Vaught Republican87
    Assistant Speaker pro tempore, 4th District Fred Allen Democratic77

    Floor Leaders

    OfficeOfficer [13] PartyDistrict
    Majority Leader Marcus E. Richmond Republican52
    Majority Whip Jon Milligan Republican33
    Minority Leader Tippi McCullough Democratic74
    Minority Whip Vivian Flowers Democratic65

    Representatives

    DistrictNamePartyFirst electedTerm-limited
    1 Jeremy Wooldridge Rep20222034
    2 Trey Steimel Rep20222034
    3 Stetson Painter Rep20222034
    4 Jack Fortner Rep20162032
    5 Ron McNair Rep20142030
    6 Harlan Breaux Rep20182034
    7 Britt McKenzie Rep20222034
    8 Austin McCollum Rep20162032
    9 DeAnna Hodges Rep20222034
    10 Mindy McAlindon Rep20222034
    11 Rebecca Burkes Rep20222034
    12 Hope Hendren Duke Rep20222034
    13 R. Scott Richardson Rep20222034
    14 Grant Hodges Rep20142030
    15 John P. Carr Rep20142030
    16 Kendon Underwood Rep20202032
    17 Delia Haak Rep20202032
    18 Robin Lundstrum Rep20142030
    19 Steve Unger Rep20222034
    20 Denise Garner Dem20182034
    21 Nicole Clowney Dem20182034
    22 David Whitaker Dem20122028
    23 Kendra Moore Rep20222034
    24 Charlene Fite Rep20122028
    25 Chad Puryear Rep20222034
    26 Mark H. Berry Rep20202032
    27 Steven Walker Rep20222034
    28 Bart Schultz Rep20222034
    29 Rick McClure Rep20202032
    30 Frances Cavenaugh Rep20162032
    31 Jimmy Gazaway Rep20162032
    32 Jack Ladyman Rep20142030
    33 Jon Milligan Rep20202032
    34 Joey L. Carr Rep20222034
    35 Milton Nicks Dem20142030
    36 Johnny Rye Rep20162032
    37 Steve Hollowell Rep20162032
    38 Dwight Tosh Rep20142030
    39 Wayne Long Rep20222034
    40 Shad Pearce Rep20222034
    41 Josh Miller Rep20122028
    42 Stephen Meeks Rep20102026
    43 Rick Beck Rep20142030
    44 Stan Berry Rep20182034
    45 Aaron Pilkington Rep20162032
    46 Jon Eubanks Rep20122028
    47 Lee Johnson Rep20182034
    48 Ryan A. Rose Rep20222034
    49 Jay Richardson Dem20182034
    50 Zachary Gramlich Rep20222034
    51 Cindy Crawford Rep20182034
    52 Marcus Richmond Rep20142030
    53 Matt Duffield Rep20222034
    54 Mary Bentley Rep20142030
    55 Matthew Brown Rep20222034
    56 Stephen Magie Dem20122028
    57 Cameron Cooper Rep20182034
    58 Les Eaves Rep20142030
    59 Jim Wooten Rep20182034
    60 Roger Lynch Rep20162032
    61 Jeremiah Moore Rep20222034
    62 Mark McElroy Rep20122030
    63 Deborah Ferguson Dem20122028
    64 Ken Ferguson Dem20142030
    65 Vivian Flowers Dem20142030
    66 Mark Perry Dem20182034
    67 Karilyn Brown Rep20142030
    68 Brian S. Evans Rep20182034
    69 David Ray Rep20202032
    70 Carlton Wing Rep20162032
    71 Brandon C. Achor Rep20222034
    72 Jamie Aleshia Scott Dem20182028
    73 Andrew Collins Dem20182034
    74 Tippi McCullough Dem20182034
    75 Ashley Hudson Dem20202032
    76 Joy Springer Dem2020 (special)2036
    77 Fred Allen Dem20162032
    78 Keith Brooks Rep20202032
    79 Tara Shephard Dem20222034
    80 Denise Ennett Dem2019 (special)2034
    81 R. J. Hawk Rep20222034
    82 Tony Furman Rep20202032
    83 Lanny Fite Rep20142030
    84 Les Warren Rep20162032
    85 Richard McGrew Rep2020 (special)2036
    86 John Maddox Rep20162032
    87 DeAnn Vaught Rep20142030
    88 Danny Watson Rep20162032
    89 Justin Gonzales Rep20142030
    90 Richard Womack Rep20122028
    91 Bruce Cozart Rep2011†2028
    92 Julie Mayberry Rep20162032
    93 Mike Holcomb Rep20122028
    94 Jeff Wardlaw Rep20102026
    95 Howard Beaty Rep20202032
    96 Sonia Eubanks Barker Rep20162032
    97 Matthew Shepherd Rep20102026
    98 Wade Andrews Rep20222034
    99 Lane Jean Rep20102026
    100 Carol Dalby Rep20162032

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    References

    1. Glisovic, Marine (January 9, 2023). "The 94th General Assembly kicks off the 2023 Arkansas Legislative Session". Little Rock: KATV . Retrieved January 22, 2023.
    2. 1 2 Brock, Roby (May 1, 2023). "Lawmakers adjourn 'sine die' to end 94th General Assembly regular session". Talk Business & Politics. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
    3. Wickline, Michael R. (September 9, 2023). "Sanders calls General Assembly back into session to consider another cut in state's top individual income tax rate". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Little Rock: WEHCO Media. ISSN   1060-4332 . Retrieved September 20, 2023.
    4. Wickline, Michael R.; Earley, Neal (September 14, 2023). "Tax cuts, open records laws passed; Arkansas legislature adjourns special session". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Little Rock: WEHCO Media. ISSN   1060-4332 . Retrieved September 20, 2023.
    5. Tilley, Michael (September 14, 2023). "Gov. Sanders signs FOIA bill, says she is not finished with 'government efficiency'". Talk Business & Politics. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
    6. Massey, Kyle (September 18–24, 2023). "Governor Retreats on FOIA Changes". Arkansas Business. Vol. 40, no. 38. Little Rock: Arkansas Business Publishing Group. p. 6. ISSN   1053-6582.
    7. Wickline, Michael R. (March 7, 2024). "Sanders proposes increasing state general revenue budget by $109.3M in the next fiscal year". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Little Rock: WEHCO Media. ISSN   1060-4332 . Retrieved December 15, 2024.
    8. Brock, Roby (May 9, 2024). "Legislature adjourns sine die without Game and Fish appropriation; Rep. Evans voted Speaker-designate". Talk Business & Politics. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
    9. Lenora, Josie (June 20, 2024). "A recap of the 2024 Arkansas special session". Little Rock: KUAR . Retrieved December 15, 2024.
    10. Boyd, Samantha (June 19, 2024). "Arkansas lawmakers wrap up special session, pass AGFC funding and tax cuts". KARK . Retrieved December 15, 2024.
    11. Smith, Bill (June 19, 2024). "Arkansas House passes resolution opposing proposed abortion amendment". KARK. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
    12. Michael, Buckner; Brown, Rebecca (August 22, 2024). "Arkansas abortion proposal won't be on November ballot after court ruling". THV11 . Retrieved December 15, 2024.
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