Arkansas House passes broad package of bills, approves measure limiting paid lobbying for certain foreign entities

The Arkansas House passed a broad docket of bills Tuesday, approving measures on topics ranging from insurance and health care to criminal penalties and local government rules. The day's most contested measure, House Bill 16 62, bars paid lobbying on behalf of certain “covered foreign entit[ies],” drawing floor debate over First Amendment limits before passing 78-14-1.

House Bill 16 62 was framed by sponsor Representative McKenzie as a targeted effort to block paid lobbying by entities the measure describes as linked to foreign adversaries. McKenzie said, “This bill makes it clear ... it takes a clear and targeted [approach] to covered foreign entity,” and described penalties that escalate for repeat violations. Opponents, including Representative Collins, warned the restriction risks an overbroad curb on political speech: “The First Amendment does apply to everybody,” Collins said on the floor, calling for a narrower approach.

Why it matters: the lobbying restriction prompted the day's most sustained policy and constitutional argument; opponents said it risks chilling protected speech, while proponents said it is narrowly written and necessary to limit foreign influence.

Other notable actions - Criminal law: House Bill 16 11 clarified the state law on unlawful animal fighting and created the separate offense of unlawful rooster fighting; the bill's sponsor said the measure does not legalize fighting but protects owners who raise gamefowl absent evidence of actual fighting. The House passed the bill 69-13-6. - Health and provider rules: The chamber approved multiple health-care related bills, including measures…