The Arkansas House passed legislation regarding public housing benefits and adult performances on Monday.

Senate Bill 43 initially would have barred children from watching certain drag shows, but, after a rewrite, may now only ban children from attending explicitly sexual performances. House members voted in favor of the bill Monday.

Rep. Mary Bentley, R-Perryville, presented the bill on the House floor, saying it aims to protect the innocence of children.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-02-07/arkansas-house-passes-legislation-on-adult-entertainment-public-housing

*Josie Lenora/KUAR News*
The Arkansas House chamber is seen on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023.

by Ronak Patel (rspatel.personal@gmail.com)

The Arkansas Senate on Tuesday (Jan. 24) voted 29-6 along party lines to approve SB43, which is a bill intended to regulate drag performances. The bill will be sent to the House for approval before heading to Gov. Sarah Sanders.

SB43 would classify drag performances as “adult-oriented business” and will add additional location restrictions for performances. Following is the list of activities classified as adult-oriented business.
• An adult arcade
• An adult bookstore or video store
• An adult cabaret
• An adult live entertainment establishment
• An adult motion picture theater
• An adult theater
• A massage establishment that offers adult services
• An escort agency
• A nude model studio

The bill states that adult-oriented businesses can not be located on public property. Sen. Gary Stubblefield, R-Branch, who sponsored the bill, told colleagues he thought about the legislation after hearing criticism and didn’t change his mind.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/arkansas-senate-approves-bill-limiting-drag-performances/

Arkansas House passes legislation on adult entertainment, public housing

Arkansas Senate approves bill limiting drag performances