Will Langhorne

Sep 14, 2023 | arkansasonline.com | Will Langhorne

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Thursday signed legislation into law that aims to reinstate a ban on covid-19 vaccine mandates for public entities ranging from schools to state agencies. Act 4 and Act 10 of this week's special session bar state and local government officials from mandating or requiring an individual to receive a vaccine or immunization for covid-19.

Sep 14, 2023 | arkansasonline.com | Will Langhorne

Circuit Judge Carlton D. Jones of Texarkana announced a run for the Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday, saying he will seek the seat formerly held by Justice Robin Wynne, who died in office earlier this year. Jones is the second candidate to officially make a bid for the Position 2 seat. Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Courtney Rae Hudson, who is serving on the high court in Position 3, announced a run for the seat earlier this month. Following Wynne's death in June, Gov.

Sep 13, 2023 | arkansasonline.com | Will Langhorne

The Arkansas House of Representatives on Wednesday handily approved a bill intended to reinstate a ban on covid-19 vaccine mandates for public entities. House Bill 1002, sponsored by Rep. Howard Beaty, R-Crossett, passed 83-14 and moved to the Senate for further action. Later Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor endorsed the bill, sending it to the full Senate.

Sep 13, 2023 | nwaonline.com | Michael R. Wickline |Will Langhorne

House bill mandates locked school doorsThe Arkansas House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a series of bills intended to clarify laws regarding the locking of schools' exterior doors and the effective date for a sentencing enhancement for felony with a firearm. Rep. Brian Evans, R-Cabot, said his House Bill 1005 aims to make it clear that all schools are required to have exterior doors closed and locked when students are present. The House voted 96-0 to send HB 1005 to the Senate.

Sep 13, 2023 | arkansasonline.com | Will Langhorne

The Arkansas House on Wednesday handily approved a bill intended to reinstate a ban on covid-19 vaccine mandates for public entities. House Bill 1002, sponsored by Rep. Howard Beaty, R-Crossett, passed 83-14 and moves to the Senate for further action. Shortly after the House vote, the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor approved an identical Senate bill in a voice vote with some audible dissent. Senate Bill 3, by Sen.