LITTLE ROCK – In 2008, Arkansas voters approved a constitutional amendment that established a fiscal session separate from the general session. Legislators meet in general sessions in odd-numbered years, when they consider a wide range of issues. In even-numbered years, the Legislature holds fiscal sessions that focus on the state budget.
The Arkansas General Assembly convened the fiscal session on April 8th and will spend the rest of the month finalizing a state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 and runs through June 30, 2027.
Fiscal sessions last up to 30 days, although a session can by extended by 15 days with a three-fourths vote in each chamber.
Overall, the governor’s proposed budget totals $6.7 billion, reflecting a three‑percent increase in state spending. Arkansas does not deficit spend or borrow to fund day‑to‑day government operations, so each year’s budget must be balanced.
When the first Senate session gaveled in, the body officially installed Sabrina Lewellen as the Director and Secretary of the Senate. She replaces Ann Cornwell, who served the Senate for 45 years. Sabrina has held a variety of roles in the upper legislative body for 23 years.
Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court Karen R. Baker gave the ceremonial oath of office to Senator Brad C. Simon, who represents District 26. He was previously sworn in after the February special election to replace Senator Gary Stubblefield, who passed away in September 2025.
The Senate then adjourned and joined the House of Representatives for Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ State of the State address.
In her address, the Governor urged legislators to think about everyday Arkansans as they deliberate over her proposed budget during this session. That proposal includes boosted funding for Educational Freedom Accounts and increased pay for law enforcement officers.
Governor Sanders said she will convene a special session following this year’s fiscal session to review a proposal to reduce state income taxes. Her plan calls for a two‑tenths‑of‑a‑point cut, returning roughly $180 million to taxpayers.
After the joint legislative session, the Senate reconvened to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Arkansas and to commend members of CASA for their work. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a national network of volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court.
The day ended with the first Joint Budget Committee meeting of the session. During the fiscal session, this committee will pore over appropriation bills and budget proposals.
The legislature’s sessions are open to the public. You can attend in person at the State Capitol complex in the committee rooms or in the public galleries of the Senate and House chambers. You can also watch meetings live and on demand at https://senate.arkansas.gov.
You can read and download PDFs of the bills that have been filed for the session at https://arkleg.state.ar.us/. Click on “Bills” in the menu, where you can search by keyword or filing date.
