Arkansas House Passes Bill That Could Expand Public Drinking in Arkansas

On Thursday the Arkansas House of Representatives passed a measure that could expand public drinking in “entertainment districts” across the state.

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 Arkansas Senate for consideration.

Senate Committee Passes Bill Prohibiting Drag Shows on Public Property and in View of Children

Above: Family Council President Jerry Cox (right) testifies alongside Sen. Gary Stubblefield (left) in support of S.B. 43.

On Thursday the Senate City, County, and Local Affairs Committee passed S.B. 43 by Sen. Gary Stubblefield (R – Branch) and Rep. Mary Bentley (R – Perryville).

S.B. 43 clarifies that drag shows are a form of adult performance under Arkansas law. It also says that adult performances — including drag performances — cannot take place on public property or where children can see them.

Over the past few years public schoolscolleges, and libraries in Arkansas have scheduled drag performances — including performances intended for children. Some of these events have been canceled following public backlash.

At public libraries in particular there has been a push to let men dressed in hyper-sexualized, female costumes read books to children. In some parts of the country events like these have exposed children and families to sexual predators.

Drag shows should not take place on public property or anywhere near children. S.B. 43 would protect children from these performances.

S.B. 43 now goes to the entire Arkansas Senate for a vote.

You can read S.B. 43 here.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

Committee Advances Bill That Could Expand Public Drinking Locations in Arkansas

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.