LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A series of significant state laws will take effect in Arkansas on Tuesday, reshaping various aspects of education, public health, and social policy. Among the changes, a law banning cellphones in public schools, a new execution method, and the repeal of affirmative action programs are among the notable measures.
The “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act,” mandates that school districts develop policies to prohibit cellphone use during school hours. The law, supported by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, requires districts to submit their policies to the Arkansas Department of Education by mid-August, with allowances made for emergencies, medical needs, or educational purposes. As of now, nearly half of the state’s public schools have already submitted their plans for approval.
In another controversial move, Arkansas will permit the use of nitrogen gas for executions under a new law that proponents argue will modernize the method of capital punishment. Critics have raised concerns over the implementation timeline, as Governor Sanders has indicated a cautious approach to resuming executions, which have been on hold since 2017.
The law, known as Act 302, allows for executions via “nitrogen hypoxia,” a method described as depriving the body of oxygen. Previously, the state used a three-drug protocol for lethal injections, but various ethical issues surrounding drug procurement led to a pause in executions. Currently, 27 men remain on death row in Arkansas.
Another significant development is the requirement for the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools, authorized by Act 573. The law mandates the display of a durable poster or framed copy of the commandments, contingent upon available funding. Legal challenges have already emerged, arguing that the measure violates the First Amendment’s establishment clause.
Moreover, the state will also see the implementation of Act 116, which prohibits discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, gender, or ethnicity in various government sectors. This act, which rescinds existing affirmative action programs, requires all state agencies to develop compliance plans within two years.
Arkansas is also advancing its Medicaid program for maternal health, as Acts 140 and 124 go into effect. This legislation will enhance coverage for doulas and community health workers, although calls for extended postpartum coverage were not included. The reforms represent a $45.3 million annual investment in maternal health, according to state officials.
Those looking to enjoy wine and beer will see new delivery options: grocery and convenience stores can now deliver alcoholic beverages in wet counties. This law, along with another permitting direct wine shipping to consumers, indicates an emerging trend toward modernization in Arkansas’ alcohol regulations.
As these laws take effect, the landscape of Arkansas governance is set for a substantial shift. From education policies to healthcare and criminal justice, these measures reflect the state’s evolving political and social framework.
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