On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed several pieces of legislation. The House passed SB59, which ensures that every student can receive one free breakfast per school day upon request, funded by medical marijuana tax revenue, regardless of eligibility for federally funded meals.
SB142, known as the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, was also passed, which requires public and charter schools to prohibit students from using cell phones or personal electronic devices during the school day, with certain emergency exceptions.
HR1034 was passed, amending the House Rules to adjust committee subject matters, specifically changing the name of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs to the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, and Legislative Affairs. Bills impacting the military and veterans will be addressed by the newly formed Joint Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs.
The House also passed HB1315, which allows Arkansans to display blood type information on state-issued identification to assist first responders during emergencies.
HB1186 was passed, aiming to establish pain relief parity in the Arkansas Medicaid Program, ensuring non-opioid FDA-approved pain treatments are not disadvantaged in coverage compared to opioid medications. Another bill, HB1194, was approved to place a monument on the State Capitol grounds commemorating the integration of Hoxie public schools in 1955.
The House passed HB1417 which designates the mallard as the official duck of Arkansas.
Lastly, the House passed SB102, aligning the rules for paid canvassers in local option elections with those for statewide elections.
