Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a sweeping package of legislation into law Wednesday, enacting measures addressing health care, education, public safety, and economic policy across the state.
Among the bills signed was SB9, known as the “Make Arkansas Healthy Again Act,” which bans the sale and distribution of food containing certain substances deemed harmful to human health. Also passed was SB576, expanding Medicaid coverage to include continuous glucose monitors, and HB1424, requiring insurance coverage for severe obesity treatments.
The governor approved HCR1011, recognizing Bentonville as the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World,” and HCR1008, commending Northwest Arkansas community college’s for pioneering bicycle technician programs.
The governor also signed multiple human trafficking-related bills, including SB428, extending the statute of limitations for victims to file civil suits, SB429, expanding victims’ rights and sealing certain records, and SB430, mandating restitution for victims.
Several measures focused on Medicaid and public assistance reform. These include HB1171, streamlining assessments for Medicaid beneficiaries; HB1559, directing the state to seek a federal waiver for substance use disorder coverage; and HB1543, creating the Workforce Experience Opportunities Act.
New laws also impact pharmacy benefit managers (HB1150, HB1602) and aim to protect small pharmacies and improve transparency in prescription benefits.
Other highlights:
– SB303 allows private school students to join public school extracurriculars.
– SB572, the Public School Access and Transparency Act, mandates public access to learning materials.
– SB515 requires Arkansas history curriculum to include content on veterans and their families.
– HB1830 and HB1831 increase oversight of how the attorney general uses settlement funds and hires outside counsel.
– SB426, the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act, enhances penalties for undocumented immigrants committing violent felonies and extends the states ban on sanctuary jurisdictions.
– HB1782 bans the sale of over-the-counter diet pills to minors.
– SB302 criminalizes gift card fraud.
– SB485 reforms sentencing and supervision to reduce recidivism.
– SB540 restricts license suspensions for people with seizure conditions.
– HB1896, the Junk Fee Eliminating Act of 2025, abolishes the Information Network of Arkansas and transfers responsibilities to the Division of Information Systems.
For a full list of bills signed into law, click here.
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