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Statewide voucher program fails in House Education committee

The House Education committee on Thursday defeated a bill that would have created a $3 million statewide voucher program funded with income tax credits. Its sponsor, Rep. Ken Bragg (R-Sheridan), said after the meeting he would not try for a second vote on Senate Bill 539.

State Medicaid budget passes House on second try

The Arkansas House of Representatives narrowly approved a bill to fund the state's Medicaid program on Tuesday, completing legislative action on the appropriation and handing a victory to Governor Hutchinson.

Statewide voucher-like bill passes Senate while Pulaski County bill stalls in committee

On Thursday, the Arkansas Senate passed a bill that would create a $3 million voucher-like program allowing K-12 students to receive scholarships for use at private schools. Senate Bill 539 was approved by a vote of 21-10, with two senators voting "present" — the equivalent of a "no" — and two not voting. It now heads to a House committee.

Federal judge blocks Medicaid work reporting requirement

U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg on Wednesday halted Arkansas's experimental work requirement for certain Medicaid expansion beneficiaries, the only program of its kind in the country. The judge also blocked Kentucky's plans to implement a similar program.

Battle lines drawn over school voucher bill

Governor Hutchinson on Monday voiced enthusiastic support for legislation to create a school voucher pilot program in Pulaski County, calling it "the right model" for Arkansas.

Revised landlord-tenant bill blocked again

A House committee on Monday afternoon narrowly rejected a bill intended to establish rights for Arkansas renters — even after its sponsor, Rep. Jimmy Gazaway (R-Paragould), amended the bill to address critics' objections. It could return for another vote later this week or next week.

Ruling on Medicaid work reporting requirement coming by end of March, judge says

A federal judge in the District of Columbia heard oral arguments Thursday morning in a lawsuit challenging Arkansas's work requirement for certain Medicaid expansion beneficiaries. Immediately afterward, U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg heard arguments in a related suit over Kentucky's efforts to implement a similar policy.

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