Legislative Timeline

January 31, 2026

June 2027

The Board of Trustees considers the report from the Jurisprudence and Law Reform Committee, and acts upon the recommendation. Up to 10 bills may be selected for Association sponsorship. 

One of the most important things the Arkansas Bar Association does each year is represent its members at the Arkansas Capitol during the legislative session. The Association speaks with a unified voice to best represent the interests of the legal community and the profession of law.

Legislative or administrative proposals concerning all matters of jurisprudence and procedure, including reforms of the substantive law and improvement in practice and in administration of the courts, originate with Association members, sections and committees. If proposals are recommended by the Jurisprudence and Law Reform Committee and adopted by the Board of Trustees, they become part of the Association’s Legislative Package.

Deadlines have been established by the Arkansas Bar Association to facilitate consideration and inclusion for the ArkBar’s Legislative Package, and thereby sponsored by the Association. For the 2027 legislative session of the Arkansas General Assembly those deadlines are above.

Please consider becoming a supporting member of the nonpartisan political action committee. The Arkansas Bar PAC is your opportunity to be the change you wish to see. Becoming involved is the best way to ensure your voice is heard and that you are part of the solution.

Legislative Changes Submission Guidelines

Article X. Preparation of the Legislative Package

Section l. Composition of Package

The Legislative package of Bills to be presented by the Association to the Legislature shall not consist of more than 10 separate bills.
  

Section 2. Adoption of Bills

Before a bill is allowed to become a part of the package it must receive an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the House of Delegates present and voting on the proposed legislation, either at a regular session of the House or a Special Session called for that purpose.
  

Section 3. Additional Bills

If the exigency of the circumstances requires it, an affirmative vote of three-fourths of the members of the House of Delegates present and voting may add not more than three additional bills to the 10-bill package.
  

Section 4. Position on Other Bills

Legislation proposed by committees, sections or members of this Association that do not receive a two-thirds vote allowing it to be a part of the Legislative package to be sponsored by the Association but that does receive approving vote of 51% of those voting, may be reported by the Lobbyist as approved by the Association and the Legislation Committee cannot reverse that.