Arkansas lawmakers approve $182.5 million state budget increase

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

The Arkansas General Assembly on Wednesday approved legislation to increase the state’s general revenue budget to $6.49 billion for fiscal year 2026, a nearly 3% increase from the previous year.

As is typical, state lawmakers approved the Revenue Stabilization Act on the final day of the legislative session through two identical bills — Senate Bill 637 and House Bill 2003.

The RSA is nearly identical to the budget Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders proposed in November. The largest portion of the $182.5 million increase to the state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 is an additional $90 million for the state’s Educational Freedom Account program.

Arkansas lawmakers approve $182.5 million state budget increase

Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate

Rep. Lane Jean, R-Magnolia, addresses the Arkansas House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

Arkansas bans pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies in state

KUAR | By Andrew DeMillo / The Associated Press, Kim Chandler / The Associated Press

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed legislation Wednesday prohibiting pharmacy benefit managers from owning or operating pharmacies, becoming the first state to enact such a restriction.

The measure comes as other states are considering restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers, which run prescription drug coverage for big clients that include health insurers and employers that provide coverage.

Supporters of the restrictions have said pharmacy benefit managers are forcing independent pharmacies, especially in rural areas, out of business.

Arkansas bans pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies in state

Bills signed into law by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, the Governor signed into law: 

HCR1008 – To celebrate and commend Northwest Arkansas community college’s nationally leading and industry-transforming bicycle assembly and repair technician and trail technician programs. 

HCR1011 – To recognize Bentonville’s investment in cycling and its title as the mountain biking capital of the world. 

SB9 – An act to create the make Arkansas healthy again act; to prohibit a person or entity from manufacturing, selling, delivering, distributing, holding, or offering for sale a food product for human consumption that contains certain substances; and for other purposes. 

SB576 – An act to amend the coverage of continuous glucose monitors within the Arkansas Medicaid program; and for other purposes. 

HB1150 – An act to prohibit a pharmacy benefits manager from obtaining certain pharmacy permits; and for other purposes. 

HB1171 – An act to modify the Medicaid provider-led organized care act; to authorize an abbreviated independent assessment for certain beneficiaries enrolled in a risk-based provider organization; and for other purposes. 

HB1320 – An act to amend the behavioral health and crisis intervention protocol act of 2017; to prohibit limits on utilization criteria under the behavioral health crisis intervention protocol act of 2017; to amend the definition of “healthcare provider” under the patient protection act of 1995; to modify the definition of “healthcare provider” as used under the any willing provider laws; to regulate crisis stabilization units and healthcare insurer; to prohibit certain prior authorizations for crisis stabilization units unless authorized by the insurance commissioner; and for other purposes. 

HB1333 – An act to mandate coverage for breastfeeding and lactation consultant services; and for other purposes. 

HB1424 – An act to mandate coverage for severe obesity treatments; and for other purposes. 

HB1440 – An act to amend the massage therapy act; to establish registration for massage therapy establishments; and for other purposes. 

HB1531 – An act to prohibit pharmaceutical manufacturers from restricting or limiting prescription medications to a limited distribution network of out-of-state pharmacies; and for other purposes. 

HB1543 – An act to amend the law concerning public assistance; to establish the workforce experience opportunities act of 2025; and for other purposes. 

HB1559 – An act to require the Department of Human Services to seek a waiver to the Arkansas Medicaid program for coverage for inpatient treatment services for substance use disorders; and for other purposes.

HB1602 – An act to amend the Arkansas pharmacy benefits manager licensure act; to establish the fees under the Arkansas pharmacy benefits manager licensure act; to require reporting of certain information by a pharmacy benefits manager under the Arkansas pharmacy benefits manager licensure act; and for other purposes.  

HB1619 – An act to set administration fees under the Arkansas Medicaid program for immunizations and monoclonal antibodies for respiratory syncytial virus disease; to provide civil immunity for administration of immunizations and monoclonal antibodies for respiratory syncytial virus disease; and for other purposes.

HB1622 – An act to amend the Medicaid fairness act; to modify the definition of “adverse decision” under the Medicaid fairness act; to provide for administrative reconsideration under the Medicaid fairness act; and for other purposes. 

HB1653 – An act to move licensing and regulation of psychiatric residential treatment facilities from the child welfare agency review board to the Department of Human Services; to set standards for the licensing and regulation of psychiatric residential treatment facilities; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

HB1677 – An act to authorize alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs to maintain emergency medication kits; and for other purposes. 

HB1700 – An act to amend the prior authorization transparency act; to clarify the process of an adverse determination notice under the prior authorization transparency act; and for other purposes. 

HB1712 – An act to establish the social work licensure compact in this state; and for other purposes. 

HB1751 – An act to amend the law concerning public assistance; to require an applicant for temporary assistance for needy families program benefits to engage in job search activities whole the application is still being processed; and for other purposes. 

HB1758 – An act to amend the law concerning hearing instrument dispensers; to amend the definition of “practice of dispensing hearing instruments”; and for other purposes. 

HB1782 – An act to prohibit over-the-counter diet pills from being sold, transferred, or otherwise furnished to a person who is under eighteen years of age; and for other purposes. 

HB1854 – An act to exempt a home caregiver from home caregiver training if he or she previously completed training; and for other purposes. 

SB303 – An act to allow a resident school district to permit a private school student to participate in an interscholastic activity at the resident school district under certain conditions; and for other purposes. 

SB467 – An act to modify the definition of “healthcare provider” regarding student athlete concussion education to include chiropractors or chiropractic physicians; and for other purposes. 

SB470 – An act concerning the administration of a statewide student assessment to a student in a virtual setting; to require an adult approved to oversee the administration of a statewide student assessment to certain students in a virtual setting to meet certain requirements; and for other purposes. 

SB515 – An act to amend the Arkansas history unit requirement in public elementary and secondary schools; to require that a unit dedicated to Arkansas veterans and their families by included within existing Arkansas history course content guidelines; and for other purposes.  

SB522 – An act to amend the law regarding the Arkansas school for mathematics, sciences, and the arts; to amend the law related to the tuition and fee paid by students enrolled in the online programs; and for other purposes. 

SB572 – An act to create the public school access and transparency act; to require public access to learning materials; and for other purposes. 

SB552 – An act to amend the Arkansas business corporation act of 1987; to amend the uniform limited liability company act; to clarify the definition of “principal office” used under the Arkansas business corporation act of 1987 and the uniform limited liability company act; and for other purposes. 

HB1771 – An act to amend the law concerning disclosures to policyholders; to require monthly reporting by insurers; and for other purposes. 

HB1820 – An act to regulate automatic renewal and continuous service offers; and for other purposes. 

SB371 – An act concerning missing children; to establish a standardized system to aid in the search of missing children who do not meet the criteria for activation of the Arkansas amber alert system; and for other purposes.

SB426 – An act to create the defense against criminal illegals act; to establish enhanced penalties for illegal aliens who commit serious felonies involving violence; to ensure that sheriff’s offices and the division of correction can participate in the warrant service officer program; to expand the state’s current ban on sanctuary cities to include counties and unincorporated areas; and for other purposes. 

SB497 – An act to amend the law regarding labor; to require the creation of a poster regarding veterans’ benefits and services; to require certain employers to display the poster; and for other purposes. 

HB1666  – An act to amend the law concerning the Arkansas self-funded cyber response program; and for other purposes. 

HB1803 – An act to amend the law concerning the placement of a monument on the state capitol grounds in recognition and honor of Maurice Lee “Footsie” Britt; and for other purposes. 

HB1887 – An act to amend the law concerning statewide child abduction response teams; and for other purposes.

SB302 – An act to create the criminal offense of gift card fraud; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

SB314 – An act to amend the law concerning sexual solicitation; to amend the penalties for the offense of sexual solicitation; and for other purposes. 

SB375 – An act to create the offense of capital rape; to amend a portion of Arkansas code which resulted from initiated act 3 of 1936; and for other purposes. 

SB427 – An act to amend promoting prostitution offenses; to enhance the penalties for promoting prostitution in the first, second, and third degree; to create the offense of promoting prostitution at a business; and for other purposes. 

SB428 – An act concerning a civil cause of action for victims of human trafficking; to provide a statute of limitation period of ten years for a victim of human trafficking; and for other purposes. 

SB429 – An act amending certain laws for the protecting of human trafficking victims; to provide that human trafficking victims have certain rights; to amend the comprehensive criminal record sealing act of 2013 to expand the sealing of criminal records of victims of human trafficking; to provide that a no-contact order is mandatory for human trafficking offense; and for other purposes. 

SB430 – An act to require mandatory restitution to be awarded to a victim of human trafficking; to amend the Arkansas crime victims reparations act; and for other purposes. 

SB442 – An act to amend the law concerning human trafficking; to provide for forfeiture of assets used to conduct human trafficking; to create the offense of harboring an endangered runaway child; to create the Arkansas human trafficking council support fund; to amend the fine payments for human trafficking offenses and prostitution offenses; and for other purposes.

SB446 – An act to amend the automatic license plate reader system act; to provide for the use of automatic license plate readers by private landowners, private leaseholder, and commercial businesses; and for other purposes. 

SB449 – An act to provide civil immunity for confiscation of alternative nicotine products, vapor products, e-liquid products, tobacco products, and cigarette papers from a minor at a school; and for other purposes.

SB485 – An act to reduce recidivism; to amend the law concerning the suspended imposition of a sentence, probation, parole, and post-release supervision; and for other purposes. 

SB553 – An act to amend the Arkansas municipal accounting law; to amend the duties of a municipal treasurer; to require training for an individual charged with duties under the Arkansas municipal accounting law; and for other purposes.

HB1336 – An act to amend the law concerning the administration and benefit plans of the state police retirement system; to amend the survivors’ benefit options under the state police retirement system; to amend the provisions concerning the tier two deferred retirement option plan under the state police retirement system; and for other purposes. 

HB1416 – An act to amend the law concerning fire departments; to allow a volunteer fire department servicing unincorporated areas of the county to levy dues; and for other purposes. 

HB1454 – An act to amend the laws concerning criminal history records checks for employees of service providers; to allow third-party employee evaluation services to perform criminal history records checks; to include independent contractors; and for other purposes. 

HB1476 – An act to amend the direct shipment of vinous liquor act; to establish a wine direct shipper license; and for other purposes. 

HB1589 – An act to amend the law concerning the financial operations of a county; to amend the law concerning the annual county financial report; and for other purposes. 

HB1615 – An act to amend the law concerning religious nondiscrimination; and for other purposes. 

HB1692 – An act to amend the law concerning polygraph examiners and voice stress analysis examiners; to amend the law concerning private investigators and private security agencies; and for other purposes.  

HB1729 – An act to amend the homestead exemption act; to provide that a homestead owned by a limited liability company is eligible for the homestead exemption in certain circumstances; and for other purposes. 

HB1749 – An act to adopt the uniform trust decanting act; and for other purposes. 

HB1752 – An act to exempt certain savings plans from the execution of a judgement; and for other purposes. 

HB1763 – An act to amend the human trafficking act of 2013; to create the offense of unlawful use of a communication device during the commission of a human trafficking offense; and for other purposes. 

HB1777 – An act to amend the law concerning the offense of sexually grooming a child; to include bribing or attempting to bribe a child in the offense of sexually grooming a child; and for other purposes.

HB1780 – An act to amend the law concerning the retention of property related to a felony investigation; and for other purposes. 

HB1799 – An act to amend the permissible methods of reporting under the child maltreatment act; and for other purposes. 

HB1808 – An act to amend the law concerning municipal fire departments; to create the bill of rights for firefighters; and for other purposes. 

HB1815 – An act to amend the state’s jurisdiction over federal lands; to retain juvenile justice jurisdiction by the state; and for other purposes. 

HB1824 – An act to amend the law concerning cruelty to animals; to create the dog and cat rescue act; Daisy’s law; to authorize law enforcement officers to secure a dog or cat in certain circumstances; and for other purposes. 

HB1830 – An act to amend the law concerning the attorney general; to amend the law concerning the procurement of contingency fee contracts by the attorney general; and for other purposes. 

HB1831 – An act to amend the law concerning the use of settlement funds by the attorney general; and for other purposes. 

HB1835 – An act concerning specialty court programs; to amend the law concerning record sealing upon completion of a specialty court program; to update and clarify the law concerning drug court, mental health court, veterans court and DWI/BWI specialty court programs; and for other purposes. 

HB1839 – An act to amend the procedures for the declaration of legal death of a missing person; and for other purposes. 

HB1872 –  An act to amend the law concerning the fees that may be collected by a county sheriff; to allow a county sheriff to collect fees for attempted service in certain circumstances; and for other purposes. 

HB1931 – An act to create the recidivism reduction system within the Department of Corrections; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

SB390 – An act to establish the state apprenticeship agency act; and for other purposes. 

SB408 – An act to provide an income tax exemption for certain payments by the United States department of agriculture; and for other purposes. 

SB460 – An act to modify the compliance advisory panel; to repeal the marketing recyclables program of the compliance advisory panel; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes.

SB464  – An act to amend the laws concerning sales of raw milk; to allow sales of raw milk and raw milk products at locations other than the farm where raw milk or raw milk product is produced; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

SB492 – An act to amend the law concerning the relocation of utility facilities; to amend the law concerning the acquisition, condemnation, and disposition of real property by the state highway commission; to establish a process for the relocation of a utility facility located on a public right of way; and for other purposes. 

SB496 – An act to amend the law concerning permits for special cargoes; to amend the law concerning the issuance of a permit for special cargo transported by a farm machinery equipment hauler; and for other purposes. 

SB530 – An act to amend the Arkansas wood energy products and forest maintenance income tax credit; and for other purposes. 

SB540 – An act to amend the law concerning the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license for the inability to drive; to limit the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license or imposition or restrictions on a driver’s license of a person who has suffered a seizure; and for other purposes. 

SB550 – An act to amend the law concerning certain duties of the Arkansas livestock and poultry commission; to change the name of the Arkansas livestock and poultry commission to the Arkansas board of animal health; and for other purposes. 

SB562 – An act to amend the law concerning the office of internal audit; to repeal the requirement for an annual project review and efficiency study of the Arkansas department of transportation; and for other purposes. 

SB594 – An act to amend the law concerning exemptions for certificates of public convenience and necessity for new construction to supply a public service or to extend a public service; and for other purposes. 

HB1277 – An act to amend payments for corrective action regarding petroleum storage tanks; and for other purposes. 

HB1572  – An act to create a technical feasibility study on new nuclear energy generation; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

HB1582 – An act to amend the division of workforce services law; to require the state-maintained job board to match an individual with a job; to encourage an individual to apply for a job as part of his or her work search contracts; and for other purposes. 

HB1657  – An act to amend the Arkansas wood energy products and forest maintenance income tax credit; and for other purposes. 

HB1688 – An act to amend Arkansas law concerning the use of a dealer’s extra license plate; and for other purposes. 

HB1796 – An act to require the display of gender information on an Arkansas driver’s license or identification card; and for other purposes. 

HB1814 – An act to amend the law concerning municipal authority over utilities; to revise the definition of “public utility” under title 14, chapter 200; and for other purposes. 

HB1838 – An act to amend the law concerning probate actions; to amend the law concerning adoption and guardianship; and for other purposes. 

HB1851 – An act to amend the sales tax exemption for food, food ingredients, and prepared food sold in a public, common, high school, or college cafeteria or dining facility; and for other purposes. 

HB1891 – An act to amend the law concerning the requirements for filing as a candidate; to amend the la concerning the use of a prefix in filing as a candidate for a nonpartisan judicial office by an appointee to a nonpartisan judicial office; to allow a person filing as a candidate for the office of justice of the supreme court or judge of the court of appeals who is serving in that position as an appointee to use the title of that position as a prefix when filing as a candidate; and for other purposes. 

HB1896 – An act to create the junk fee eliminating act of 2025; abolish the information network of Arkansas; to transfer any remaining duties of the information network of Arkansas to the division of information systems; and for other purposes. 

SB494 – An act to amend the permits and annual privilege fees under the Arkansas tobacco products tax act of 1977; to reduce the number and types of permits issued by Arkansas tobacco control; to consolidate several permits into a single permit under the Arkansas tobacco products tax act of 1977; and for other purposes. 

SB495 – An act to amend definitions used under the Arkansas tobacco products tax act of 1977; to amend the definition of “invoice” and the definition of “invoice price” used under the Arkansas tobacco products tax act of 1977; and for other purposes. 

SB567 – An act to amend the multistate tax compact and the uniform division of income for tax purposes act; to amend and modernize the law concerning the apportionment of income derived from multistate operations; to change the method for sourcing of receipts for services and intangibles from cost of performance to market-based sourcing; and for other purposes. 

SB577– An act to amend the law concerning local sales and use taxes; to require the Department of Finance and Administration to notify local governments concerning sales and use taxes that are set to expire; and for other purposes. 

HB1265- An act to make an appropriation for personal services and operating expenses for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for the fiscal year ending in June 30, 2026; and for other purposes.

UAMS, CDC Find 3% of Arkansas 8-Year-Olds, 2.5% of 4-Year-Olds Diagnosed with Autism

By Yavonda Chase

LITTLE ROCK — One in 34 (3.0%) of 8-year-old children in Arkansas were identified with autism spectrum disorder by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) Arkansas Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (AR ADDM) program in 2022, according to an analysis published April 15 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Surveillance Summaries.

This percentage is about the same as the average percentage identified (3.2%) in all 16 communities the CDC tracks, highlighting the variability across ADDM sites.

Findings from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network offer critical insights about the number of children with autism spectrum disorder, the characteristics of those children, and the age at which they are first evaluated and diagnosed.

UAMS, CDC Find 3% of Arkansas 8-Year-Olds, 2.5% of 4-Year-Olds Diagnosed with Autism

One in 34 (3.0%) of 8-year-old children in Arkansas were identified with autism spectrum disorder by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) Arkansas Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (AR ADDM) program in 2022.

Bill banning DEI in Arkansas local government sent to governor’s desk

KUAR | By Ainsley Platt / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

Legislation banning diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices at the local level passed the Arkansas House of Representatives Monday, sending the bill to the governor’s desk.

Senate Bill 520 is one of several bills targeting culture war issues that have been taken up during the 2025 legislative session. The bill, if it becomes law, would prohibit DEI “offices, officers, policies, or practices in local government.”

Under the proposed law, local governments would be prohibited from implementing hiring and employment policies that take into account diversity, equity and inclusion, DEI offices, or programs, policies, practices or applicant statements that promote DEI.

Bill banning DEI in Arkansas local government sent to governor’s desk

Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate

State Rep. Alyssa Brown speaks in favor of bill that would prohibit DEI in local government on April 14, 2025.

Attorney General Griffin leads multistate letter asking Congress to prohibit Pharmacy Benefit Managers from owning or operating pharmacies

Griffin: ‘It Is Far Past Time That We Act To Restore The Balance Of Competition And Ensure That PBMs Only Play The Role They Were Always Meant To Play’

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement after leading a bipartisan coalition of 39 states and territories in sending a letter to Congress asking it to prohibit pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning or operating pharmacies:

“PBMs are third-party administrators of prescription drug programs for health plans, and as such they heavily influence drug prices for pharmacies. Over the past few decades, PBMs have increasingly moved into the space of pharmacy ownership and operation. This has allowed them to set certain drug prices for pharmacies they control while setting less competitive prices for independent pharmacies and others outside their scope of influence.

Carolina Journal Image

“While this practice hurts small businesses, it ultimately hurts consumers by driving down competition. The letter that I led alongside the attorneys general of Massachusetts, Missouri, and Vermont urges Congress to take action and protect consumers by enacting a law prohibiting PBMs or their parent companies from owning or operating pharmacies.

“We have stood by for too long and watched PBMs’ influence encroach on consumers and small businesses. It is far past time that we act to restore the balance of competition and ensure that PBMs only play the role they were always meant to play.”

In addition to Griffin, the attorneys general of the following states and territories also signed on to the letter sent by Arkansas: Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

To read the letter, click here.

Sanders Signs Executive Order to Provide Relief for Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding on or About April 2, 2025

Scene of flooding in Arkansas, April 6-7, 2025. (Division of Agriculture image.)

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS:    
                      
EO 25-08: EXECUTIVE ORDER TO PROVIDE RELIEF PURSUANT TO THE EMERGENCY DECLARED IN EXECUTIVE ORDER 25-07. 

WHEREAS:​ On April 2, 2025, severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes began in Arkansas, and continue to cause danger, hardship, and suffering throughout the state; 

WHEREAS: Adverse circumstances have been brought to bear upon citizens and public properties within the State of Arkansas and certain political subdivisions require assistance from the state to recover from these losses;

WHEREAS: On April 2, 2025, by Executive Order 25-07, a state of emergency was declared in Arkansas as a result of the severe weather outbreak, pursuant to the Emergency Services Act, codified at Ark. Code Ann. §§ 12-75-101, et seq.; 

WHEREAS: Ark. Code Ann. § 12-75-114(e)(1) authorizes the Governor to suspend any regulatory statutes if compliance with those statutes would delay action in coping with the declared emergency;

WHEREAS: Ark. Code Ann. § 26-18-505 authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration to grant a reasonable extension of time to file any return required under any state tax law upon written request for good cause shown. Good cause includes when any taxpayer is affected by a disaster emergency declared by the Governor; and

WHEREAS: Strict compliance with certain statutes would hinder necessary action in coping with the emergency in the following affected counties:

Arkansas CountyAshley CountyBaxter CountyCalhoun CountyChicot CountyClark CountyClay CountyCleveland CountyColumbia CountyConway CountyCraighead CountyCrawford CountyCrittenden CountyCross CountyDallas CountyDesha CountyDrew CountyFaulkner CountyFranklin CountyFulton CountyGarland CountyGrant CountyGreene CountyHempstead CountyHot Spring CountyIndependence CountyIzard CountyJackson CountyJefferson CountyLafayette CountyLawrence CountyLee CountyLincoln CountyLittle River CountyLonoke CountyMarion CountyMiller CountyMississippi CountyMontgomery CountyNevada CountyNewton CountyOuachita CountyPerry CountyPhillips CountyPike CountyPoinsett CountyPolk CountyPope CountyPrairie CountyPulaski CountyRandolph CountySaline CountyScott CountySearcy CountySebastian CountySevier CountySharp CountySt Francis CountyStone CountyUnion CountyVan Buren CountyWhite CountyWoodruff County

NOW THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas and pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. §§ 12-75-101, et seq., and the state of emergency declared in Executive Order 25-07, do hereby order the following:

1. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration is hereby ordered to extend the 2024 income tax filing date and income tax payment date and 2024 pass through entity tax filing date and pass-through entity tax payment date from April 15, 2025, to July 31, 2025, for those citizens who reside or whose businesses are located in the affected counties. This extension includes 2024 returns of Individuals, Subchapter S Corporations, C Corporations, Pass-Through Entities, Fiduciaries and Estates, Partnerships, and Composite returns.

2. Individuals and entities in the affected counties will have until July 31, 2025, to file income tax and pass-through entity returns and pay income and pass-through entity taxes that were originally due between April 2, 2025, and July 31, 2025.

3. This relief includes return and extension payments due between April 2, 2025, and July 31, 2025.

4. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration is hereby ordered to extend the deadline under Ark. Code Ann. § 26-51-913(a)(2) to make a quarterly estimated income tax payment between April 2, 2025, and June 30, 2025, for those citizens and businesses located in the affected counties to July 31, 2025.

5. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration is hereby ordered to extend the deadline under Ark. Code Ann. § 26-65-107(b)(1) to make a quarterly estimated pass-through entity tax payment between April 2, 2025, and June 30, 2025, for those citizens and businesses located in the affected counties to July 31, 2025.

6. The provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 26-18-505(a)(1) requiring a written request for an extension to file an individual income tax return are hereby waived through July 31, 2025, for citizens who reside or whose businesses are located in the affected counties.

7. The provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 26-18-505(a)(4) requiring the promulgation of rules to waive the requirement for a written request for an extension are hereby waived through July 31, 2025. 

8. The provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 27-16-805 and § 27-16-806 requiring payment of a fee for a duplicate driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card are hereby waived for citizens who reside in the affected counties from the date of this order through July 31, 2025.

9. The provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 27-14-705(e) requiring payment of a $10.00 fee for expedited title processing service are hereby waived for affected citizens who reside in the affected counties from the date of this order through July 31, 2025.

10. The provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 26-18-508 and § 26-52-510(a)(4) assessing interest and penalty for failure to timely register a vehicle are hereby waived for citizens who reside in the affected counties from the date of this order through July 31, 2025.

11. The provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 27-14-1004(a) assessing penalty for failure to timely register a vehicle or renew a vehicle registration are hereby waived for citizens who reside in the affected counties from the date of this order through July 31, 2025.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed on this 11th day of April, in the year of our Lord 2025.

President Trump Approves Arkansas’ Emergency Request Amid Flooding

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that President Trump has approved Arkansas’ request for an Emergency Declaration for Direct Federal Assistance to assist Arkansas with the state response to storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on April 2, 2025, and is ongoing. Arkansas is already experiencing flooding after last night’s rainfall and of particular concern are the Buffalo River, Spring River, Little Red River, Cache River, Black River, Saline River, Ouachita River, Eleven Point River, Mississippi River, Petit Jean River, Little River, and White River. 

The Governor’s letter to the President is linked here.

“I’m so thankful to President Trump for always jumping into quick action and ensuring the American people are safe and taken care of. We appreciate his administration’s proactive response to this storm,” said Governor Sanders. “With these additional federal resources, Arkansas will have the capacity to respond to this flooding more effectively, shore up property and roadways, and save lives.”

Arkansas is specifically receiving:

• Category B, limited to Direct Federal Assistance, statewide

White River Flooding - NARA & DVIDS Public Domain

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Mark O. Hardin, M.D., Joins UAMS

By Linda Satter

LITTLE ROCK — Mark O. Hardin, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon with a focus on adult cardiac surgery, has joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine Department of Surgery.

Hardin received his medical degree from UAMS in 2007 and has returned after spending several years as a general surgeon in the U.S. Army and three years as a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at the Arkansas Heart Hospital.

“We are so pleased to have Dr. Hardin join the Department of Surgery,” said Ronald Robertson, M.D., chair of the department. “He brings an exceptional skill set in cardiovascular surgery. We look forward to growth in cardiovascular surgery under the leadership of Dr. Hardin and Dr. Streitman.”

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Mark O. Hardin, M.D., Joins UAMS

Mark O. Hardin, M.D.

Severe weather (4/4) and continued heavy rainfall expected for much of Arkansas Friday - NWS/NOAA

The threat for severe weather continues for this Friday into Friday night. All modes of severe weather will be possible including very large hail, damaging winds and even a few tornadoes.

Specifics About Hazards (If Any): A warm front will lift northward into Arkansas today, eventually stalling out once again across the north-central and west-central sections of the state. Conditions along and south of the front will become very unstable by this afternoon as temperatures warm into the 80s. All modes of severe weather will be possible, including damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes. A few long- track tornadoes cannot be ruled out.

There is a high risk for excessive rainfall today into tonight for a large portion of the state. Several inches of rainfall are possible, which may lead to flash and river flooding.

Thunderstorms will remain likely on Saturday into Saturday night, with strong to severe weather potential remaining. All modes of severe weather will be possible Saturday afternoon and evening, including large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes. The highest threat for severe weather on Saturday will be across the southeastern two-thirds of the area.

Areas of heavy rainfall will continue on Saturday into Saturday night as well, with the threat for flash and river flooding continuing to remain a very significant hazard.

Expect the threat for heavy rainfall and severe weather to exit the region by Sunday afternoon. Some areas could see temperatures dropping into the low and mid 30s Sunday and Monday mornings. This may result in some frost or freeze conditions for some areas over northwestern portions of the state. Otherwise, the threat for hazardous weather will become low into the middle of next week.

Several inches of additional rainfall are expected through Sunday morning. Most areas could see an additional 4 to 6 inches, with some areas seeing potentially over 8 inches.

Spotter Activation (Day 1 - Friday/Friday Night): (More Widespread Severe Weather). Scattered to numerous severe storms are expected. The focus area includes much of Arkansas. You can help by monitoring and forwarding severe weather information. If there are strong to severe storms (i.e. wind damage, quarter size hail or larger, etc.) at your location, please consider submitting a report via an online form found here. Thank you for your assistance!

Bill limiting complexity of ballot titles advances in Arkansas Legislature

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

Arkansas Lawmakers have advanced another bill changing the state’s direct democracy process.

Members of a Senate committee on Thursday advanced House Bill 1713, which requires all titles of citizen-led ballot initiatives and constitutional amendments to be written at or below an eighth-grade reading level. The bill’s Senate co-sponsor, Sen. Mark Johnson, R-Little Rock, said it’s an effort to make the process more accessible to voters.

“People have points to argue, but if they’re clear that if you believe this way you’re for it and if you believe the opposite then you’re against it, that’s the way the process is supposed to work. We’re not trying to confuse people,” he said.

Bill limiting complexity of ballot titles advances in Arkansas Legislature

The latest Severe Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service in Little Rock

• [WHAT] Severe weather and heavy rainfall. ○ Very large hail, damaging wind gusts and tornadoes. ○ Extremely heavy rainfall, more than 10 inches possible. Flash flooding and river flooding likely

• [WHEN] Late Tuesday night through Saturday night. ○ Severe weather threat timeframes: ■ (1) Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (mainly across the far northwest corner) ■ (2) Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night (entire state) ■ (3) Thursday afternoon through Thursday night (all but NW Arkansas) ○ Heavy rainfall and resulting flash/river flooding threat Wednesday through Saturday.

• [WHERE] Most of the state will be at risk for severe weather and heavy rainfall

The 10th annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program launched

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture will partner with Farm Credit for the 10th annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program. In 2024, the Department awarded over $11,500 in grants to 21 Arkansas farmers markets through the Farm Credit partnership.

This program supports local farmers markets by increasing awareness and providing funding assistance to help these markets serve their communities as consumer interest in locally grown and made products continues to increase.

“Farmers markets are essential in connecting local producers to consumers and strengthening rural economies,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “We have over 111 farmers markets across Arkansas and, according to recent data, 1,436 farms sell directly to consumers, generating $8.5 million in sales. These markets are vital to enhancing local food systems, and we’re proud to partner with Farm Credit to help ensure their continued success.”

The 10th annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program launched

And they’re off! Crop planting is underway in Arkansas

By Mary Hightower
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Planting season is underway for Arkansas farmers, with corn growers first to getting seed in the ground, according to the Crop Progress report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. 

The statistics service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture issues weekly crop progress and condition reports during the growing season.

PLANTING TIME — First rice planting date study was planted March 18, 2025, at the Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart. Typically the late March to early April planting window results in the highest grain yields at this location. (Photo by Jarrod Hardke)

Monday’s report showed Arkansas corn 2 percent planted, compared to 1 percent at this time last year and the 1 percent five-year average.

The report also said that 3 percent of the state’s winter wheat was forming grain heads. That compared to 1 percent at this time last year and to the zero percent five-year average. More than half of the winter wheat crop — 58 percent — was rated in good to excellent condition.

Corn

Jason Kelley, wheat and feed grains agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said planting corn now is not unexpected.

“It's 80 degrees and it's dry and it's mid-March,” Kelley said. “It's hard to not plant something, but producers still have concerns about a potential late season cold snap, so up to date, planting has started slow but will be picking up speed as we near late March.”

In some years, corn planting may start on a very limited basis as early as late February in the southern tier of counties in Arkansas, but not this year due to wet weather.

“With corn, our planting date studies have shown there is a fairly wide window when we can maximize yields, generally up to late April, so planting early may be beneficial some years, but getting the optimum stand is what we are really shooting for,” Kelley said
“I think overall the acreage will be up this year,” he said. “2024 was a little bit of a down year as far as acreage with  500,000 acres. In 2023, we had about 750,000 acres.

Kelley said he expected 2025 to see “a little bit of a rebound” given a somewhat more optimistic outlook for corn prices than other commodities.

Rice

While corn was the only crop to make the report for planting, Jarrod Hardke, rice extension agronomist for the Division of Agriculture said there may have been two or three rice growers who got started last week.

This week, many rice growers were doing field prep, but “planting is beginning to pick up speed and by this coming weekend it will really be getting cranked up,” Hardke said.

Weather is a concern, with very low humidity and high winds. The March 14 storms that spawned deadly tornadoes, didn’t bring a lot of rain.

“Rains were variable with some growers receiving 1-2 inches while others may have technically gotten a little rainfall overnight, but by the morning they didn't know whether they had or not because it was so dry,” he said.

Red flag warnings covered most counties of the state on Wednesday, with wind advisories covering the rest. The next opportunity for rain would be on Sunday.

“That rain will be welcome to put a little moisture back to the soil and encourage a bigger start to planting,” Hardke said.

Soybeans

Jeremy Ross, extension soybean agronomist, said soybean planting was just getting started.

“A lot of ground is ready to plant, but we didn’t see the February planting that we have seen the last two years due to rain events over the past month,” he said. “If the weather holds, we could have a significant portion of the soybean crop planted in the next few weeks. 

“I’m anticipating soybean acreage to be about what we have seen the past two years,” Ross said. “Our acreage should remain around the 3 million acres mark, but we could see some changes one way of the other depending on how planting progresses over the next two months. 

“We are just now getting into the early planting window for the southern part of the state, and we still have time to get the soybean crop planted to maximize yields,” he said.

Cotton and peanuts

“Both cotton and peanuts will start probably the third week of April,” said Zachary Treadway, extension agronomist for cotton and peanuts.

“If you're planting past the last day of May you've gone too late,” he said. “In a perfect world all of our planting will  come between April 20 and May 20 — that’s if the planting season is kind to us.”

“We have some issues last year where it was cool and rained and planting got dragged out and some planting got abandoned all together,” Treadway said.

Soil temperature is the cue for cotton growers to get seed in the ground. “They need a consistent 65 degrees at about four inches of soil depth, he said.

Treadway said that considering the market, he expects to see cotton acres decline slightly in Arkansas while peanut acres may increase.

Price and acreage rollercoaster

Scott Stiles, extension economics program associate, said the markets may do some reshaping of expected acres. USDA will issue its annual Prospective Plantings report on March 31, giving an overview of farmers’ intentions for the 2025 growing season.

Like Treadway, Stiles expected cotton acres to run lower.

The National Cotton Council “had Arkansas' cotton acres down 7 percent to 604,000,” Stiles said. “That’s not a surprise and some think cotton acres may be even lower than that. Cotton prices for the 2025 crop touched 70 cents last Friday and again Monday but didn't stay there long.

“With the heavy supply situation in cotton, there's little incentive today for it to encourage acres. With so much of the U.S. cotton crop grown in Texas, we may see some weather-related price improvement later in the growing season,” Stiles said.

Corn and soybean prices peaked around February 20th, but “unfortunately, both of those have run out of gas,” Stiles said. There was quick run-up in rice last week, but that rally fell flat too.

“Corn is about 40 cents off its February highs and soybean about 60 cents off its highs,” he said.Since making a recent top March 11, new crop rice futures have pulled back about 23 cents per bushel. The commodities are nervously watching all the global trade dynamics and trying to figure it all out.

“Seasonally, we generally see prices for corn and soybeans work higher through planting and oftentimes peaking by mid-June if crop conditions are favorable,” Stiles said.

If there's any good news to report, it's probably the pullback in diesel prices. 

“Diesel futures are trading around $2.20 today and that's 45 cents off the January high,” Stiles said on Wednesday. “It’s a little relief there as field work gets underway.”

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. 

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed bills into law

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the Governor signed into law: 

HB1704 – An act to amend the law regarding child custody in matters where a parent is a first responder; and for other purposes.

HB1275 – An act to prohibit prior authorizations for healthcare services provided for treatment of a mental health crisis; and for other purposes. 

HB1316 – An act to mandate coverage for lung cancer screenings; and for other purposes. 

HB1488 – An act to amend the standard nonforfeiture law for life insurance; to require an insurer to pay interest on deferred payment of any cash surrender value under certain policies; and for other purposes. 

HB1558 – An act to amend the law concerning the Arkansas real estate commission; to create a property management broker and property management associate license; to amend the real estate license law; and for other purposes. 

HB1652 – An act to amend the law concerning self-service storage facilities; to allow the enforcement of an unsigned self-service storage facility rental agreement; to create a procedure to provide notice of the termination of a self-service storage facility rental agreement; and for other purposes. 

HB1721 – An act regarding greyhound racing; to amend sections of the Arkansas code to prohibit greyhound racing and simulcasting of greyhound racing; and for other purposes.

SB111 – An act to establish the dentist and dental hygienist compact; and for other purposes. 

SB189 – An act to authorize ivermectin for human use to be sold without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare professional; and for other purposes. 

SB279 – An act to amend the minimum wage act of the state of Arkansas; to assist the division of labor with enforcing the fair and prompt payment of wages to Arkansas citizens; to clarify the manner in which wage and hour complaints are investigated; and for other purposes. 

HB1505 – An act to amend the law concerning public safety employees who have experienced a traumatic event; to offer licensed counseling to public safety employees who have experienced a traumatic event; to require a public employer to provide coverage for licensed counseling for a public safety employee who has experienced a traumatic event; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes.

SB135 – An act to amend election requirements in the case of an unchanged rate of an annual ad valorem property tax levied by a public school district board of directors; and for other purposes. 

SB223 – An act to create the religious rights at public schools act of 2025; and for other purposes. 

SB413 – An act to amend the law concerning a school district board of directors; to amend the law concerning the certification of an oath for a school board of director; and for other purposes. 

SB417 – An act to amend various laws related to higher education; to repeal the requirement for affirmative action programs at institutions of higher education; to amend certain laws related to reporting and services by institutions of higher education; to amend las relation to certain construction projects, personnel, land, and services of institutions of higher education; and for other purposes.

SB299 – An act to require a staff member to witness an administrator assisting a resident of a long-term residential care facility with absentee voting; and for other purposes. 

SB339 – An act concerning the membership of the child maltreatment investigations oversight committee; and for other purposes. 

SB353 – An act to amend Arkansas law concerning the dates for elections; to amend the dates of primary elections, school elections, and certain special elections; to change the date of the fiscal session of the general assembly; and for other purposes. 

SB409 – An act to prohibit discrimination of agricultural producers by financial services providers; to amend the law concerning environmental, social justice, or governance scores or metrics; to establish the farmer protection act; and for other purposes.

HB1129 – An act to amend the property tax exemption for disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and minor dependent children; to amend the definition of “homestead” for the purpose of the property tax exemption for disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and minor dependent children; and for other purposes. 

 HB1147 – An act to make an appropriation for personal services and operating expenses for the Secretary of State for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and for other purposes. 

HB1246 – An act to make an appropriation for personal services and operating expenses for the University of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and for other purposes. 

HB1386 – An act to amend the law concerning the assessment of property; to amend the law concerning substantial improvements to real property; to amend the method of valuation for real property under Arkansas constitution article 16, § 5 and for other purposes. 

HB1497 – An act to add the Department of the Military to the list of claimant agencies for purposes of the setoff against state tax refunds; to amend the definition of “debt” for purposes of the setoff against state tax refunds; and for other purposes. 

HB1647 – An act to amend the law concerning the division of information systems; to change the name of the division of information systems; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes.

HB1276 – An act concerning spousal retirement benefits of city attorneys of cities of the first class and cities of the second class, deputy city clerks in cities of the first class, mayors in cities of the second class, and treasurers in cities of the first class; and for other purposes. 

HB1293 – An act to amend the law concerning death benefits for certain public employees killed in the line of duty; to increase the payment of a claim to designated beneficiaries or survivors of certain public employees killed in the line of duty; and for other purposes. 

HB1313 – An act to expand health benefit coverage for certain firefighter retirees of municipalities and counties; and for other purposes. 

HB1322 – An act to amend the laws under the Arkansas local police and fire retirement system concerning line-of-duty death from occupational cancer; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. 

HB1414 – An act to amend the law concerning claims for fire services; to update the schedule of equipment rates used in claims for fire services; and for other purposes. 

HB1479 – To amend the law concerning scrivener’s affidavits; to allow a licensed engineer, surveyor, or notary public to execute and record a scrivener’s affidavit in certain circumstances; and for other purposes. 

HB1508 – An act concerning the recodification of title 19 of the Arkansas code concerning public finance; to repeal and recodify title 19 of the Arkansas code with certain exceptions; to amend laws resulting from initiated acts 2000, no. 1; to make conforming changes to the Arkansas code; and for other purposes. 

HB1552 – An act to amend the law concerning certain inchoate offenses related to fentanyl; to establish the classification for a criminal attempt, solicitation, of conspiracy for certain fentanyl related offenses; and for other purposes.

SB345 – An act to promote tourism and economic development by improving efficiency of the private club permitting process of hotels, restaurants, and large-event facilities; to remove an overly burdensome tax requirement; and for other purposes.

SB424 – An act to amend the law concerning the accountability and transparency of a municipal improvement district; and for other purposes. 

Strong to severe thunderstorms possible in Arkansas this weekend

• The chances of strong to severe thunderstorms remain Sunday afternoon into Sunday night.

• Multiple medium to long range models continue to show agreement in the possibility of severe weather, with the greatest confidence across the central and eastern sections of Arkansas.

• However, it should be noted that this possible severe weather event is still several days out and changes to the forecast are likely heading into the weekend.

• Monitor the latest briefings regarding the expected timing, severe weather impacts, along with the general location(s) potentially affected.

Arkansas AG rejects proposed ballot measure to amend state’s direct democracy process

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

Arkansas’ attorney general on Tuesday rejected a proposed ballot measure that aims to amend the state’s initiative and referendum process.

Attorney General Tim Griffin cited ambiguities as his reason for rejecting the proposed ballot title and language, which Little Rock attorney David Couch submitted on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Arkansas on March 11.

State law requires the attorney general to approve or reject a proposed ballot measure along with its ballot title and popular name within 10 business days of receiving the original draft. Tuesday was the deadline for Griffin to do so.

Arkansas AG rejects proposed ballot measure to amend state’s direct democracy process

Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate

Petitioners gather signatures for a ballot initiative to expand abortion access in Arkansas during the Voices and Votes rally on Jan. 28, 2024 in Fayetteville.

Severe Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service in Little Rock

• The chances of strong to severe thunderstorms continue to increase this weekend, with a greater chance for severe weather possible on Sunday.

• Multiple medium to long range models are beginning to show agreement in the possibility of severe weather.

• Confidence has increased that Sunday is poised to be the day in which severe weather across Arkansas would possibly be the highest

• Click below for the latest weather outlook

Quail, turkey conservation stamp winners unveiled

BY Jeff Williams

CANEHILL – Winners of the Arkansas Quail Stamp and Arkansas Turkey Stamp competitions were announced March 13 at Historic Cane Hill Gallery, about 3 miles southeast of Lincoln in Washington County.

AGFC Turkey Program Coordinator David Moscicki (left) and AGFC Quail Program Coordinator Clint Johnson with grand prize-winning “Bobwhite Quail Pair” by Abraham Hunter. Photo courtesy of Historic Cane Hill.

“Bobwhite Quail Pair” by Abraham Hunter took the grand prize in the quail stamp competition. “Quail Valley” by Amanda Hukill was second and “Edge of Maze” by Scott Hiestand” was third.

“Morning Mist” by Amanda Hukill won the turkey stamp grand prize. Second place went to “Sound” of Spring” by Abraham Hunter and third went to “Ridge Top Strutting” by Rick Morkel.

“The King of Spring” by Caleb Metrich won the Curator’s Award. Works by the grand prize winners, which received a $2,500 cash prize, will appear on the new editions of the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Stamp and the Eastern Wild Turkey Conservation Stamp issued by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Second-place artwork received $500 and third place received $250.

Lawrence McElroy, director of arts and culture at Historic Cane Hill, with Amanda Hukill and her grand prize artwork “Morning Mist.” Photo courtesy of Historic Cane Hill.

The stamps have raised $2.2 million over the years for habitat restoration across the state. Anyone may purchase the stamps, which are not required for hunting, for $9.50 each at www.agfc.com/license.

The juried art competition attracted 110 entries from 28 states. A selection of the entries and turkey calls made by Don and Sarah Clark will be on display at Historic Cane Hill Gallery through April 19.

Historic Cane Hill, a nonprofit group, is the curator of the legacy of Canehill, which is the oldest continuous settlement in Washington County. The community includes historic buildings, an art gallery, a museum, trails and a venue for special events. Visit historiccanehillar.org for more information.

Letter carriers' union: 'U.S. mail is not for sale'

KUAR | By Nathan Treece

Members of the Little Rock branch of the National Association of Letter Carriers gathered at the Arkansas State Capitol Sunday to protest a proposal from the Trump administration to move the U.S. Postal Service under the Department of Commerce.

It was part of a national day of action organized by the American Postal Worker's Union. NALC Local Branch President Chad Dollar spoke at the rally.

"The United State Postal Service employs 640,000, with over 200,000 being letter carriers. The postal service is the largest company to hire veterans, with over 73,000 hired," said Dollar. "The service we provide is a universal service. That means no one pays more, no one pays less. We just provide the service to the American people. We deliver nearly 160 million deliveries each and every day.”

Letter carriers' union: 'U.S. mail is not for sale'

Nathan Treece/Little Rock Public Radio

Local members of the National Association of Letter Carriers gather at the Arkansas State Capitol on March 23, 2025, to rally against attempts to privatize or dismantle the United States Postal Service.