Arkansas State Representative RJ Hawk (R-D81) provided a detailed recap of the 2025 legislative session, highlighting significant bills, procedural improvements, and the challenges faced during a demanding session.
Hawk, in his second term, offered perspectives on his legislative priorities and the dynamics of the Arkansas House and Senate, shedding light on both successes and setbacks.
- [00:01:18:10 – 00:03:30:15] Session Process:
- House avoided rule suspensions, ensuring thorough bill reviews.
- [00:29:08:05 – 00:33:52:16] Hawk called session a “grind.” Hear why.
- [00:03:50:07 – 00:11:55:22] Sponsored Bills:
- [00:04:12:04 – 00:05:21:21] HB1634 (Act 305): Arkansas Sports Raffle Act and why he thinks it’s a good bill; supported by U of A and smaller schools.
- [00:05:45:20 – 00:07:53:06] HB1707 (Act 524): Mandates local officials file election reports with Secretary of State for transparency.
- [00:08:24:15 – 00:11:55:22] HB1745: Requires CDL English proficiency, work authorization to curb fraud; passed with strong support.
- [00:12:39:07 – 00:16:47:18] Co-Sponsored Bills:
- Supported grocery tax repeal, school cell phone ban, homestead tax credit, dual agency codification.
- [00:17:08:06 – 00:24:49:08] Failed Bills:
- [00:19:22:14 – 00:21:58:15] Soda Tax Phase-Out: Defeated due to misinformation.
- [00:22:19:04 – 00:24:49:08] Expulsion Bill: Required transferring disciplinary records; failed in Senate
- [00:17:08:06 – 00:18:56:00] Alcohol Sales Reporting: Aimed to track wine sales. Failed in the House.
- [00:34:13:07 – 00:39:22:07] Real Estate & Local Control:
- Codified dual agency; opposed short-term rental bill to preserve local zoning.
- [00:39:41:05 – 00:40:24:08] Debated property rights vs. neighborhood expectations
[00:26:46:20 – 00:28:11:09] Hawk praised Reps. Matt Brown and Keith Brooks for collaboration and aims to address zoning and infrastructure in future sessions.
