A new set of Arkansas state laws are going into effect starting July 1, following the passage of legislation that included emergency clauses to expedite implementation. While many other laws from the 2025 legislative session are set to take effect on August 5, these select measures are being rolled out a month early.
One of the most significant changes is the merger of the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf. Lawmakers approved not only the merger itself, but also new rules governing board members, employee salaries, and student policies. Under the new structure, the schools will now be overseen by a single superintendent.
The combined institution will now be known as the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind, streamlining leadership and administrative functions.
Another major piece of legislation taking effect is Act 477, which allows several public colleges and universities in Arkansas to increase their number of staff positions:
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Arkansas State University: 375 → 425 positions
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University of Arkansas: 750 → 1,000 positions
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University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff: 150 → 200 positions
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Northwest Arkansas Community College: 80 → 100 positions
The law also increases the number of vehicles allowed for use by these institutions.
A separate law changes the annual cap on diagnostic lab services under the state’s Medicaid program:
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For non-radiology lab services, the cap is now either $500 or $1,800 for individuals diagnosed with chronic pain or those being treated for pain management.
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The Department of Human Services has until January 1, 2026, to finalize the rulemaking for this amendment.
Act 672 introduces a new fee structure for accessing vehicle accident reports and traffic violation records:
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For individuals not involved in the accident:
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Fee increases from $10 to $25
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$1.50 per page for supplemental reports
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For individuals involved in the accident:
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Fee remains at $10
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A portion of the funds collected will be allocated to the State Police Retirement System.
Act 416 expands the list of cancers eligible for line-of-duty death benefits for members of the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System. This ensures that first responders who die from job-related illnesses or injuries can qualify for benefits.
A new update to the Arkansas State Employee Student Loan Program offers loan repayment assistance for eligible state workers. To qualify, an employee must:
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Complete a six-month probationary period
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Prove their degree is in a related field
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Provide documentation of unpaid student loans
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Agree to stay employed with the state for a “reasonable length of time”
If approved, loan repayments—up to $10,000, paid in no more than five installments—will be made directly to the loan creditor. Additionally, Act 499 allows a person married to a constitutional officer to work for a state agency as long as their salary doesn’t exceed $50,000.
Lastly, Act 944 restructures the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) by removing it from the Department of Commerce and establishing it as an independent state instrumentality. This move aims to provide the ADFA with more flexibility in responding to the state’s housing crisis by exempting it from certain state laws related to procurement, spending, and employee compensation.
