Preparing for the 95th General Assembly
T he 2025 Regular Session is now weeks away. As we prepare for the upcoming session, we’d like to give you an overview of the composition of the House for the 95th General Assembly.
We will have 12 members serving their first term, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. On the other end of the spectrum, 26 of our members will have more than 10 years of experience serving in the House, providing valuable institutional knowledge and expertise.
We have 23 women and 77 men who will be serving in the House next year. There will be 19 Democrats and 81 Republicans.
In terms of professions, we have a varied group of individuals including 10 attorneys, 8 farmers, 8 educators, 5 health care professionals, 10 real estate professionals, and 4 individuals involved in ministry.
Members will be sworn in on the first day of the session, January 13, where we will also formally elect the Speaker of the House for the 95th General Assembly. The 94th General Assembly elected Rep. Brian Evans of Cabot as the Speaker- designate. On the second day of the session, we will meet jointly with the Senate in the House Chamber to hear an address from Governor Sanders. This address traditionally provides recommendations on key issues facing our state.
As we look ahead to the upcoming session, we are excited to work together to address the needs and priorities of the people of Arkansas. We will continue to update our constituents on developments at the Capitol. You can watch all meetings at arkansashouse. org.
Update from the Arkansas Legislative Council
The Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) took significant steps to address issues ranging from fair reimbursement practices to workforce development and support for our veterans.
The ALC approved a proposed rule from the Arkansas Insurance Department requiring health benefit plans and pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse pharmacists at fair and reasonable rates.
In addition, the ALC approved a $2 million transfer from the Restricted Reserve Fund to support Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled, Inc. These funds will help construct the Jobs 4 You Cabot Workforce Training Center in Lonoke County. This new facility will provide training and employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. The center will create 38 new jobs and train up to 60 adults annually, offering them pathways to meaningful community employment.
To address workforce shortages and reduce reliance on temporary staffing agencies, the ALC approved a plan from the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs to provide one-time bonuses to fulltime maintenance employees at the state’s veterans homes and cemeteries. This incentive aims to improve recruitment and retention in these vital roles.
The ALC approved the final recommendations of the Firearms and Concealed Carry Laws Study report. These recommendations, developed after months of review, aim to simplify and clarify Arkansas gun laws, ensuring a better understanding of where and when firearms can be carried legally.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation presented its legislative package to the ALC this week. One key proposal is to increase fines for moving traffic violations in mobile maintenance zones. This measure seeks to enhance safety for road crews and drivers across the state.
Any proposed legislation will be considered in the 2025 Regular Session which begins Jan. 13.
Deborah Ferguson
