Arkansas General Assembly

Arkansas General Assembly
Name	Arkansas General Assembly
House type	Bicameral
Houses	Arkansas Senate, Arkansas House of Representatives
Leader1 type	President of the Senate
Leader1	Leslie Rutledge
Election1	January 9, 2023
Leader2 type	Speaker of the House
Leader2	Matthew Shepherd
Election2	2018
Members	135, 35 Senators, 100 Representatives
House1	Senate
House2	House of Representatives
Meeting place	Arkansas State Capitol, Little Rock

Arkansas General Assembly. The legislative branch of the state government of Arkansas, it is a bicameral body composed of the Arkansas Senate and the Arkansas House of Representatives. Based in the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock, the assembly is responsible for enacting state laws, approving the budget, and providing oversight of the executive branch. Its members are elected from districts across the state for terms defined by the Constitution of Arkansas.

History

The first assembly convened in 1836 following the territory's admission to the Union under the 1836 constitution. Early sessions were held in the Arkansas State House before moving to the current Arkansas State Capitol in 1911. The assembly's history was shaped by events like the American Civil War, Reconstruction, and the 1957 desegregation crisis at Little Rock Central High School. Significant structural changes came through constitutional revisions, notably the 1874 constitution which remains the foundational document, and the 1992 term limits amendment.

Structure and composition

The assembly consists of two chambers: the 35-member Arkansas Senate and the 100-member Arkansas House of Representatives. Senators serve four-year terms, with half elected every two years, while Representatives serve two-year terms. Districts are drawn based on decennial United States Census data. Leadership includes the President of the Senate, a role held by the elected Lieutenant Governor, currently Leslie Rutledge, and the Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives, an office held by Matthew Shepherd. The Democratic Party historically dominated, but the Republican Party gained control of both chambers following the 2012 elections.

Powers and duties

The assembly's primary power is the enactment of statutes covering all areas of state governance not preempted by the United States Constitution. It holds the "power of the purse," crafting and passing the annual general appropriation bill that funds state agencies like the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas State Police. The body also has investigative powers, can propose amendments to the Constitution of Arkansas, and holds the authority to impeach state officials, as seen in proceedings against figures like Governor Jeff Davis. It exercises oversight over executive departments and can override gubernatorial vetoes with a simple majority.

Legislative process

A bill may be introduced in either chamber by a member. It is referred to a committee, such as the Revenue and Taxation Committee or the Public Health Committee, for review and hearings. If approved, the bill proceeds to three readings and votes on the chamber floor. After passage in the first chamber, it moves to the second, following the same process. Differences are resolved by a Conference committee. Finally, the bill is sent to the Governor of Arkansas, who may sign it, allow it to become law without a signature, or veto it. The assembly can override a veto by a simple majority vote in each chamber.

Current session and leadership

The 94th General Assembly, elected in the 2022 elections, is in session. The Republican Party holds a supermajority in both chambers. Key leaders include Senate President Leslie Rutledge, Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, House Speaker Matthew Shepherd, and House Speaker Pro Tempore Jon S. Eubanks. Majorities are led by Blake Johnson in the Senate and Marcus Richmond in the House, with Greg Leding and Tippi McCullough leading the minority Democratic caucuses. The session's priorities have included tax cuts, education reforms, and regulatory adjustments.

Notable legislation

Historically significant acts include the Mosaic Templars charter, the resolution of the Brooks-Baxter War, and the navigation improvement acts for the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. In the 20th century, the assembly passed laws resisting school desegregation, notably the 1958 act that closed Little Rock Central High School. More recent major legislation includes the Private Option for Medicaid expansion, the LEARNS Act overhauling education, and multiple rounds of income tax reductions. It also enacted one of the nation's strictest abortion bans following the Dobbs decision.

Category:Arkansas General Assembly Category:State legislatures of the United States