Week 3 Review: Arkansas’ 91st General Assembly

Tax Cuts

Gov. Hutchinson’s $50 million tax cut plan, SB115, that would reduce the income taxes of those making less than $21,000 per year, is closer to landing on the governor’s desk, passing through the House Revenue & Taxation Committee. The competing tax cut bill by Rep. Warwick Sabin (D) failed by a vote of 28-66 in the House of Representatives. Rep. Sabin’s bill would create an income tax credit in the amount equal to 5% of what a taxpayer is eligible to receive under the federal Earned Income Tax credit

On Thursday, the House Revenue & Taxation Committee passed a bill that would cut taxes for military retirees. The bill now heads to the full House for further consideration.

Tobacco Settlement Funds

Gov. Hutchinson signed a bill into law that would amend the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act to allow $8.5 million of the tobacco settlement money to be spent on individuals waiting on the developmental disabilities waiting list.

Abortion

Gov. Hutchinson signed the Arkansas Unborn Child Protection From Dismemberment Abortion Act, which would ban dilation and evacuation abortion in the second trimester.

Guns and Marijuana

There were two bills filed last week that are sure to be debated by both sides of the aisle this week. Rep. Charlie Collins (R) filed a bill allowing college and university staff members to carry a concealed weapon on campus.

Sen. Jason Rapert (R) filed a bill that would delay the start date of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment until approved by the federal government.

Visit www.inveritasinfo.com for weekly recaps of the 91st General Assembly.

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