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.

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

Members of a Senate committee on Thursday unanimously voted to advance a bill that would regulate some drag shows.

The City, County & Local Affairs Committee of the Arkansas Senate heard debate on Senate Bill 43. If passed, the legislation could force any performance involving cross dressing to be classified as an adult-oriented business if the performance appeals to “prurient interests.”

Much of the debate Thursday centered around the word “prurient.” Lawmakers insist the bill’s language would mean a performance would have to be sexual for it to violate the law. Holly Dickson, executive director of the ACLU of Arkansas, told the senators that the word “prurient” could be interpreted by courts to mean a wide variety of artistic performances.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-19/bill-regulating-drag-shows-advances-from-arkansas-senate-committee

Arkansas House passes legislation on adult entertainment, public housing

Bill regulating drag shows advances from Arkansas Senate committee