2025 arleg Action Hub

arleg action hub

Arkansas's 2025 legislative session kicked off January 13 and is expected to run through the spring. The ACLU of Arkansas is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights and freedoms of all Arkansans by advocating with lawmakers at the Capitol. We need you to stand with us — because the Arkansas State Capitol is your house, where you have the power to hold lawmakers accountable and demand they prioritize your community. Throughout the session, we’ll call on you to help us champion critical legislation and fight back against harmful policies. Sign up for our action alerts to stay informed or sign up to volunteer and join the movement to defend justice and equality for everyone in Arkansas.

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    Important ACLU-AR Legislative Resources:

     

    Priority Bills

     

    Filter Legislation
    Mar 12, 2025
    HB1569
    Bad Bill
    Mar 12, 2025
    HB1569

    To Create The Secure Roads And Safe Trucking Act Of 2025; To Amend The Law Concerning Commercial Drivers; To Create Penalties For Offenses Committed While Operating A Commercial Motor Vehicle; And To Declare An Emergency.

    Position: Oppose
    Status: Introduced

    HB1569 introduces stringent regulations and creates four new criminal offenses specifically targeting immigrants who drive commercial motor vehicles. The offenses outlined in the bill are:

    • ...
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    Mar 6, 2025
    HB1668
    Bad Bill
    Mar 6, 2025
    HB1668

    To Create the Vulnerable Youth Protection Act; And to Authorize a Civil Action For Social Transitioning and Castration, Sterilization or Mutilation of a Minor

    Position: Oppose
    Status: Failed

    Arkansas HB1668, known as the "Vulnerable Youth Protection Act," seeks to intimidate educators, families, allies, healthcare providers, and everyday citizens who support transgender youth by allowing civil...

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    Mar 4, 2025
    HB1655
    Bad Bill
    Mar 4, 2025
    HB1655

    To Create The Offense Of Human Smuggling; To Create The Offense Of Harboring Illegal Immigrants; And For Other Purposes.

    Position: Oppose
    Status: Deferred

    HB1655 claims to address human smuggling, but in reality, it is a dangerously vague and overbroad bill that could criminalize everyday activities of Arkansans. Under this legislation, any person who simply...

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    Mar 4, 2025
    SB181 (Act 242)
    Bad Bill
    Mar 4, 2025
    SB181 (Act 242)

    To Amend The Regional Library System Law; And To Amend The Requirements For Regional Library System Directors

    Free Speech
    Position: Oppose
    Status: Passed Both Chambers

    SB181 amends the Regional Library System Law and removes the requirement that regional library system directors hold a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree. While this bill appears to be...

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    Feb 26, 2025
    SB212
    Bad Bill
    Feb 26, 2025
    SB212

    To Create the Document Validity Division; And To Declare An Emergency

    Voting Rights
    Position: Oppose
    Status: Deferred

    SB212 establishes a new division called the "Document Validity Division" within the Secretary of State's office.

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    Feb 20, 2025
    SB223 (Act 400)
    Bad Bill
    Feb 20, 2025
    SB223 (Act 400)

    To Create The Religious Rights At Public Schools Act Of 2025

    Free Speech
    Position: Oppose
    Status: Enacted

    SB223 claims to protect First Amendment religious freedoms in public schools, but in reality, it extends far beyond existing constitutional protections, creating confusion and potential legal...

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