Committee Advances Bill That Could Expand Public Drinking Locations in Arkansas

Alcohol, Legislature, Public Drinking, ,

On Wednesday the House Rules Committee passed a bill that could expand public drinking in “entertainment districts” across Arkansas.

H.B. 1024 by Rep. David Ray (R – Maumelle) and Sen. Matt McKee (R – Dist. 6) eliminates the provision in Arkansas law that restricts public drinking to cities and towns that collect advertising and promotion taxes on hotels, restaurants, and similar businesses.

The tax provision in current law helps make sure that communities establish “entertainment districts” in areas where the hospitality and tourism industry is present.

Under this bill, communities could authorize public drinking in entertainment districts even if the community does not cater toward hospitality and tourism.

That has the potential to expand public drinking across the state.

H.B. 1024 now goes to the entire Arkansas House of Representatives for consideration.

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Bill Would Require Porn Sites to Institute Age Verification

Decency, Legislation, ,

On Tuesday Sen. Tyler Dees (R – Siloam Springs) filed S.B. 66 requiring pornographic websites to implement an age verification process to protect children from pornography.

The measure is similar to a Louisiana law that has caused major porn websites to start verifying that users are over the age of 18.

S.B. 66 requires pornographic websites to verify users are 18 or older using a government-issued ID or a commercially available method to check a person’s age.

In practice, this means pornographic websites would rely on IDs like state driver’s licenses or some sort of third-party software to prevent minors from accessing pornographic material online.

Technology has given children unprecedented access to pornography. Among other things, pornography is believed to contribute to mental health problems.

We need to take steps to protect kids from pornography and other harmful material.

Read S.B. 66 Here.

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Proposal Would Provide Income Tax Credit for Baby Supplies

Legislation, , , ,
Above: Sen. Hammer presents legislation in this file photo from 2021.

On Tuesday Rep. DeAnn Vaught (R – Horatio) and Sen. Kim Hammer (R – Benton) filed H.B. 1148 providing an income tax credit for purchasing certain baby supplies.

Under H.B. 1148, Arkansans would receive an income tax credit of up to $1,000 for money spent on diapers, baby formula, baby wipes, and prepackaged baby food.

Now that abortion is prohibited in Arkansas except to save the life of the mother, Arkansans need to look for ways to assist women and families.

Measures like H.B. 1148 could alleviate taxes for parents with small children and help families who are struggling.

You can read H.B. 1148 here.

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