The Arkansas General Assembly is the legislative branch of the Arkansas government. The General Assembly consists of the Arkansas State Senate and the Arkansas House of Representatives. There are 100 representatives and 35 senators.
The General Assembly convenes its Fiscal Session on the second Monday in February of every even-numbered year.
The Governor of Arkansas can issue a “call” for a special session during the interims between regular sessions.
2026 Fiscal Session
About Fiscal Sessions: In 2008, voters approved Amendment 86 to the state constitution, mandating a yearly legislative session. This allowed for separate Fiscal Sessions. Fiscal Sessions are to meet on the second Monday in February of even-numbered years, while the regular legislative session continues to meet in January of odd-numbered years. A state fiscal legislative session is a meeting of a state legislature focused primarily on passing the state budget, appropriations, and revenue bills (to authorize spending from the State Treasury).
2026 Fiscal Session Quick Facts-
- Bill filing began on Monday, March 9
- Session convened on Wednesday, April 8
- Session adjourned sine die on Wednesday, April 29
- Passed a $6.7 billion balanced budget for FY2027
2026 Special Session
About Special Sessions: The Governor of Arkansas can issue a “call” for a Special Session during the interims between Regular and Fiscal Legislative Sessions. A Special Session is a meeting of the legislature to conduct business that was not completed during the Regular and Fiscal Sessions, or to address an emergency or emerging issue (extraordinary occasions).
2026 Special Session Quick Facts-
- Governor Sanders issues a Call to Session on Friday, April 30th, 2026
- The First Extraordinary Session of the 95th General Assembly convened on Monday, May 4
- Special Session adjourned sine die on Wednesday, May 6
- Individual and Corporate tax rates were lowered
Click here to read the Governor’s proclamation to call a special session of the General Assembly on May 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
Learn more on GCDD Arkansas’s Legislation and Public Policy webpage by clicking this link (opens in new tab or window)