The Regular Session of the Arkansas 95th General Assembly convenes on Monday, January 13, 2025. Bill filing began on Friday, November 15, 2024.
The Arkansas General Assembly is the legislative branch of the Arkansas government. The General Assembly consists of an upper branch, the Arkansas State Senate, and a lower branch, the Arkansas House of Representatives. There are 100 representatives and 35 senators. The General Assembly convenes its Regular Session on the second Monday of every other year. A session lasts for 60 days unless the legislature votes to extend it. The governor of Arkansas can issue a “call” for a special session during the interims between regular sessions.
Visit the legislature’s website for meeting information, agendas, and even links to watch online – see your legislators at work!
It is extremely helpful to have strong allies in the legislature. Get to know where legislators stand on issues and find those who are sympathetic to disability issues. Legislators interested in working on these issues often have a personal connection to someone with a disability. Building relationships with legislators opens the door to work more closely with them to get bills introduced, to help in drafting the language, in shaping the debate on the issues, and in getting legislation signed into law.
For more tips on effective legislative advocacy, check out our Effective State Legislative Advocacy document and also check out this Determined Constituent Guide for the 2025 session.
Important Dates for the 2025 Regular Session of the Arkansas Legislature PDF – view and download here