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Bill to end life without parole for juveniles clears committee

Legislation that disallows life in prison without parole sentences for minors and retroactively calls for parole hearings for those sentenced in this manner in murder cases cleared a Senate committee on Wednesday.

Bill to require civics test advances

To become an American citizen, immigrants must pass a civics test that asks questions such as, "What is one reason colonists came to America?" and "What does the Constitution do?" A bill that would make the passing of that test a requirement for high school graduation cleared the House Education Committee on a voice vote with some dissent Tuesday.

Bill to increase voucher-eligible schools clears hurdle

A bill that would expand the number of private schools eligible to participate in a special-needs education voucher program passed on a voice vote with no dissent in the House Education Committee Thursday.

Governor’s Arkansas Future grant proposal fails to pass committee

Governor Hutchinson's proposal to create a grant that would pay for tuition and fees for students at Arkansas community or technical colleges failed to pass the Senate Education Committee in a 4-4 vote Wednesday. The committee's three Democrats voted against the bill, along with one Republican. It needed five votes to advance.

Campus carry bill passes Senate committee

A bill that would force Arkansas public universities and colleges to allow staff members to carry concealed handguns advanced from the Senate Judiciary Committee on a voice vote.

Bill aims to earmark sales tax from Amazon

Last week, Amazon announced it planned to voluntarily collect sales tax in Arkansas starting in March. Now, a bill filed in the House seeks to dedicate that revenue to reducing income tax.

Sales tax collection bill passes House

A bill that would require shoppers to pay Arkansas sales tax on online purchases passed in the House 54-26 Tuesday. House Bill 1388 would require out-of-state online retailers who do not already collect sales and use tax in the state…