Arkansas House approves homestead tax credit hike, pharmacy patient‑choice measure and a package of bills

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas House of Representatives on March 3 approved a package of bills that included raising the homestead property tax credit, a law clarifying pharmacy contracting and patient choice, and multiple technical and regulatory changes.

Lawmakers voted 96‑0 to increase the homestead tax credit from $500 to $600 under House Bill 15‑34, a move sponsors said would put money "back in the pockets of hardworking home owners in Arkansas." Representative Schultz, who presented the measure, said, "this legislation puts money back in the pockets of hardworking home owners in Arkansas." The chamber passed the bill without recorded opposition.

The House approved House Bill 14‑42, a pharmacy contracting bill that backers said protects patient choice and limits steering to particular pharmacies. Representative Akers, who presented the bill, said it "clarifies a patient's freedom of choice and it prevents steering for all permit holders." The measure passed by a vote of 88 yeas, 8 nays and 2 present.

Lawmakers also approved bills on public‑employee insurance enrollment, cemetery and honorary resolutions, technical corrections to trust laws, vehicle dealer service requirements, library director qualifications and other items. Several bills drew questions during floor debate: during consideration of Senate Bill 94, which removes a requirement that new all‑terrain vehicle dealers maintain an on‑site service center, Representative McClure asked, "Can you explain to me in these contracts to provide service, who is going to watch over that and who's going to enforce that?" The sponsor said the Motor Vehicle Commission would…