New Year, New Arkansas Laws: Here’s What You Need To Know

Happy New Year! Arkansas has new laws coming into effect in 2025 which might affect prisoners, civilians, and other people. Many citizens have mixed feelings on these new changes, but we’ll leave that for you to decide.

Today, we will highlight the important chances that were made to Arkansas law, effective as of January 1st, 2025:

Protect Arkansas Act

Act 659 (Protect Arkansas Act) is one of the biggest changes to Arkansas law in 2025. There are two major facets to this act; it opens up more space for Arkansas prisoners and also affects an individual’s eligibility for parole.

Anyone convicted of the following charges in 2025 will need to serve their entire sentence:

• Aggravated Robbery – when someone is robbed by force via weapon or physical attack
• Capital Murder – first-degree murder where the defendant could be charged with the death penalty. 
• First-Degree Murder – premeditated killing of another person
• Kidnapping – taking someone without their will
• Rape – forceful sexual interaction without consent

Regardless of good behavior, individuals who are charged and convicted of one of these crimes have to remain in prison until their release date. But what does this mean for the Arkansas prisons? Does this new law affect the available space for prisoners?

Yes. This law is anticipated to incarcerate an extra 1,465 people annually. However, Arkansas lawmakers expected the impact on the prison system and made an additional addendum to the law. The Protect Arkansas Act reserved half a billion dollars to expand their incarceration facilities.

Arkansas LEARNS Act

While this law isn’t exactly new in Arkansas, there is a new provision coming into effect during 2025. There are many facets to the LEARNS Act, so let’s dive into the specifics.

The LEARNS Act provided qualified families with an Education Freedom Account (EFA) in 2023. At first, the state only provided an EFA account for foster families, active duty military parents, and students attending poor schools. Additionally, students with disabilities also qualified for an EFA.

In 2024, LEARNS expanded to include children of military parents and first responders. But as of 2025, any public school student can apply and be considered for the LEARNS EFA.

But that’s not all — this new law in Arkansas also raises a teacher’s minimum salary to $50,000 a year. Considering the teacher shortage across the country, Arkansas has implemented a $2,000 raise and possible bonus for teachers who have performed well amongst their students.

Medicare Changes

Last, but not least, Arkansas Medicare residents will see a change in their service. According to Act 575, Arkansas is requesting that Medicare reduce costs or eliminate prior authorizations.

This can be a positive change for Arkansas’s residents, however, if you are a Medicare prescriber, you will need to consider Act 575 while billing patients.

Fearful Of These New Laws? Worry Not, Hickey & Hull Will Help

The justice system is always shifting and changing, which is why anyone served with a court summons should employ a lawyer.

Don’t know where to start? Browse through the Hickey & Hull website to determine if our Arkansas lawyers can assist you during your court case.

Contact us online or schedule an in-person consultation. Our professional team can help you navigate your legal issues.