AAC GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

the nation for election integrity after this session.

Interestingly, the legislature approved only one proposed constitutional amendment. Normally they send at least two, if not three, proposed amendments to the voters. The last time they passed out only one was in 1985. In 1994, voters had only one proposed amendment to decide because the Arkansas Supreme Court struck down the others before Election Day. HJR1006, if approved by the voters, would allow Arkansas lottery scholarships to be used at vocational or technical schools. Right now, those scholarships can be used only for two-year and four-year colleges and universities.

One last bill I will leave you with is the increase in the homestead tax credit. HB1032 by Rep. Lanny Fite and Sen. Hickey, now Act 127, increases the homestead tax credit from $375 to $425. Every Arkansan who pays property tax on their homestead will get an additional $50 credit.

County government had a good session, and every county and district official should be proud of the work that all the associations put into this session. A large number of elected officials came to the Capitol or reached out to their legislators. Without the participation by our members, we could not do our job. Thank you for a job well done.

ArkAnsAs stAte CApitol snApsHots

The 42nd Annual State Peace Officers’ Memorial Day Service was held on the state Capitol grounds on Monday, May 8, 2023. The Arkansas Sheriff’s Association Honor Guard advanced the colors. Several law enforcement officers and Gov. Sarah Sanders participated in the ceremony during which seven fallen Arkansas law enforcement officers were honored. They are Sgt. Joshua Daniel Caudell with the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Sr. Cpt. Michael Ray Springer with the Arkansas State Police, Cpl. Jeffery Wayne Neel of the Arkansas Game and Fish, Benton County Detective Paul Dean Newell, Perry County Detention Officer Jeremiah James Story, Sebastian County Sgt. William Joseph Shibley, and Sgt. Donald Mark Scoby of the Stuttgart Police Department. At right, Drew County Lt. Rick Harvey salutes the wreath on which he and fellow officers pinned seven carnations, one for each fallen officer.