Pro-Life Resolutions in Arkansas
In 2021 the Arkansas General Assembly passed Act 392 which affirms the right of municipalities to adopt resolutions declaring themselves to be pro-life. The law was sponsored by Rep. Kendon Underwood (R – Cave Springs) and Sen. Gary Stubblefield (R – Branch). As far as we know, this was the first law of its kind in the nation.
In 2023 the Arkansas General Assembly updated Act 392 by passing Act 699. This law affirms the right of not only counties but also any political subdivision of Arkansas to pass a resolution declaring itself to be pro-life. In addition Act 699 updates the recommended wording for the resolution to include a reference to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.
Examples of Arkansas political subdivisions include: Counties, municipalities (cities and towns), townships, school districts, fire department districts, irrigation and water districts, sewer and sanitation districts, flood control districts, and any other publicly governed entity where votes are taken to establish policies or procedures for a district or other specified area.
Municipalities, counties, school districts, and other political subdivisions have always had the legal right to pass resolutions, including resolutions for or against abortion. Act 392 and Act 699 make this clearer.
Act 699 contains model language for a non-binding, pro-life resolution that lawmakers and legal experts believe will avoid any legal issues.
Take a look at the communities that have passed pro-life resolutions so far in Arkansas and download our free toolkit to learn more!
Pro-Life Cities and Counties in Arkansas
Free Toolkit
Download The Pro-Life Cities and Counties Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to assist anyone who is interested in securing passage of a pro-life resolution in any Arkansas municipality. This toolkit contains more information and suggestions than most people will need. In some communities these resolutions will pass easily with little debate or opposition. This toolkit is primarily designed to help citizens in communities where a pro-life resolution is likely to have a more difficult time passing. However, anyone interested in passing a pro-life resolution should find this toolkit helpful.