AGP Executive Report

Library Rules & Funding: The Arkansas State Library Board revised proposed rules that would tie state aid to how public libraries handle minors’ access to “sexually explicit” materials, adding another public-comment period through Sept. 13 after concerns about accidental misplacement. Criminal Justice: Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Phillips ruled a Franklin County Sheriff’s Office deputy’s deadly-force use justified in a May 15 stabbing incident, citing the deputy’s reasonable belief he faced imminent deadly force. State Politics & Elections: A new prompt asks who Arkansans would vote for in the U.S. Senate race if the election were held today, keeping the spotlight on the state’s political matchup. Public Safety Tech: Coverage continues on Arkansas-related debates over surveillance and library/records issues, including how camera and tracking tools are being used and challenged. Economy & Daily Life: A national grocery-price comparison says Aldi is the cheapest major chain in Arkansas, while local gas-price reports track week-to-week changes across counties.

Education & Accountability: State Education Secretary Jacob Oliva told lawmakers Arkansas’ 15 education service cooperatives are being reworked after years of “dollars out the window,” saying teachers and principals are now better supported and test scores have improved. School Choice: Arkansas officials project 50,000 students in the Educational Freedom Account this year—about 12% more than last year—after parents complained about slow and unclear reimbursement processing. Local Governance: A legislative panel heard briefings on “Issue 3,” a constitutional amendment that would let cities and counties create economic development districts and issue bonds repaid with future tax revenue. Energy & Rates: Entergy Arkansas’ rate formula case drew sharp public pushback in Little Rock, with critics linking the utility’s plans to data-center growth and distrust of who benefits. Courts & Federal Appointments: President Trump nominated Eastern District of Arkansas Judge Lee Rudofsky to the Eighth Circuit, drawing praise from supporters who cite his originalist record. Public Safety: Dry heat is tightening burn-ban conditions in parts of Arkansas, with officials warning wind-driven embers can spread fires fast. Wildlife/Health & Policy: Arkansas lawmakers also got updates on lithium development efforts and battery-material testing tied to Arkansas-sourced feedstock.

Legislative Secrecy Fight: State Sen. Joshua Bryant and fellow GOP lawmakers invoked legislative privilege to block depositions of two Arkansas deputy attorneys general in a case tied to Gov. Sanders’ China rhetoric, arguing lawmakers need room for candid policy talks. School Choice Growth: Arkansas expects about 5,500 more students in the Educational Freedom Account program for 2026-27, pushing total participation to roughly 50,000 and costs above $367 million. Surveillance Cameras: Little Rock and North Little Rock use Flock Safety plate readers, even as several Arkansas cities move to shut off Flock cameras and switch vendors. Public Safety & Courts: Jonesboro police say a man struck four pedestrians in two locations, injuring two critically, and faces multiple felony charges. State Government Watch: Arkansas officials reported no change in active lawyers in Crawford County in July (30 total), while Saline and Lonoke each saw small month-to-month drops. Local Business/Community: Visit Bentonville CEO Kalene Griffith was named to the Destinations International board; Braum’s announced a Clarksville opening next week. Weather: Magnolia remains under a heat advisory through Tuesday with highs around 102-103 and heat indexes near 106-107.

Legislative Secrecy Fight: State Sen. Joshua Bryant and GOP lawmakers are invoking legislative privilege to block depositions of two Arkansas deputy attorneys general in a crypto-mining dispute tied to Gov. Sanders’ China rhetoric. School Choice Costs: Arkansas expects about 5,500 more students in the Educational Freedom Account program for 2026-27, pushing total participation to roughly 50,000 and costs above $367 million. Surveillance Cameras: Little Rock and North Little Rock use Flock Safety and SkyCop license plate readers, with questions about retention and how long data is kept. Public Safety—School Buses: The House is reminding drivers of Isaac’s Law: stop for stopped school buses with red lights and stop arms, with penalties up to $2,500. Forensics Upgrade: Arkansas lawmakers announced major investment in the State Crime Lab, including a new facility and added staff to expand DNA, toxicology, firearms, digital evidence, and medical examiner services. Internet Safety: Arkansas highlights National Internet Safety Month, citing a near-30% rise in reports tied to child sexual abuse material and urging stronger family safeguards. Local Crime: Jonesboro police arrested a man accused in two hit-and-run incidents that struck four pedestrians, injuring two critically.

School Safety & Civic Duty: As Arkansas heads into a new school year, the House is reminding drivers that it’s illegal to pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing and the stop arm out, with fines up to $2,500 under Isaac’s Law. Public Safety & Infrastructure: The Arkansas State Crime Lab is getting major upgrades, including a new facility slated for completion in 2027, expanding DNA, toxicology, firearms, digital evidence, and medical examiner services. State Government Oversight: The Arkansas Legislative Council reviewed revenue and policy items including proposed changes to the Educational Freedom Account, new wind energy permitting rules, and health insurance contribution rates. Disability Access: Lawmakers marked the ADA anniversary by passing multiple accessibility-focused acts, from clearer college accommodation policies to new scholarship and “envelope” programs for autism and mental illness. Privacy & Surveillance Debate: Louisiana drivers can now check whether their plates were searched in Flock Safety systems via “Have I Been Flocked?”—a reminder that searches don’t necessarily mean an investigation. Courts & Open Records: An Arkansas judge dismissed AG Tim Griffin’s open-records lawsuit against the Board of Corrections after board members backed a settlement. Health & Consumer Alerts: The FDA upgraded a 19 million-egg salmonella recall to the most serious level. Water & Drought: Fort Smith asked water customers to follow voluntary conservation measures amid triple-digit heat and low rainfall. Wildfire Watch: The Department of Agriculture warned wildfire risk is rising statewide, with burn bans in place in dozens of counties.

Medicaid & federal policy: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton joined AG Tim Griffin to back the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, framing it as a way to boost Medicaid Fraud Control Units and crack down on beneficiary, recipient, and provider fraud. Prisons & open government: A Pulaski County judge dismissed Griffin’s open-records lawsuit against the Board of Corrections after the board voted to settle, ending a fight tied to who controls Arkansas’ Corrections Department. Library policy fight: The Arkansas State Library Board revised a proposed rule on restricting access to “sexually explicit” materials, softening enforcement language to “take all reasonable steps” and giving the public until Sept. 13 to comment. Surveillance oversight: Flock Safety says it’s tightening privacy and oversight for its license plate reader network, including shorter data retention and tools to limit data sharing between agencies. Courts & public safety: A Fayetteville judge is set to hear a case involving a state trooper’s ramming pursuit crash that seriously injured two people, while separate coverage reports Arkansas basketball player Isaiah Sealy arrested on multiple charges. Local governance: Fayetteville named a new chief of staff and chief information officer as the city plans for growth, and Brookland voters will consider bond restructuring for municipal improvements in November. Health & risk: Federal inspectors began work at Taylor Farms’ Mexican plant tied to the cyclosporiasis outbreak that has reached Arkansas among 17 states. Community & civic life: An NAACP Hope-Hempstead County branch meeting highlighted membership growth and upcoming local election and bond-related hearings.

Medicaid Fraud Push: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, AG Tim Griffin and Sen. Tom Cotton backed the federal STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, saying it would expand authority for Arkansas Medicaid Fraud Control Units to pursue beneficiary and recipient fraud, not just providers. Cybersecurity & Health Privacy: Poynter Law Group is investigating a reported April 2026 ransomware incident at Arkansas Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, alleging 2.1 terabytes of patient data may have been posted online. Public Safety—Wildfire: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture raised wildfire risk to high in 19 counties and reported burn bans in 47 counties, including a Pulaski County ban with limited permit exceptions. State Politics—House Seat: Republicans nominated Kara Armas to fill the state House seat vacated by Austin McCollum, with a special election expected to be folded into the Nov. 3 general election. Health Access: A new report says only 22 of Arkansas’ 75 counties have hospitals that deliver babies, with multiple obstetrics unit closures tied to staffing and finances. Legal System—Defamation Hearing: A Saline County court set an Oct. 30 hearing on motions to dismiss a defamation suit by Richard Friend against Kevin Cooper and Rick Cross. Public Health—Kratom Crackdown: Massachusetts issued an emergency order targeting kratom products, while Arkansas officials moved to schedule kratom under state law. Courts & Community: A federal lawsuit was filed alleging an Arkansas State Police trooper used excessive force during a traffic stop.

FOIA & Corrections: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin says a Pulaski County court dismissal ends his FOIA-and-outside-counsel lawsuit against the Arkansas Board of Corrections after a settlement, with Griffin calling transparency “cornerstones of good government.” Privacy vs. policing tech: Sherwood mayoral challenger Mike Willingham is pressing for a review of the city’s Flock Safety contract, as other Arkansas cities have moved to suspend or end Flock license-plate reader use; Searcy’s council also voted to begin ending its Flock contracts. Lithium policy: Lawmakers in Mississippi are set to debate lithium mining taxes and regulations in the 2027 session, a reminder that the battery-minerals race is turning into state-by-state governance. Maternal health access: Arkansas clinics are warning that many new moms lose Medicaid coverage after 60 days, with DHS reporting 45% drop off after the postpartum window. Local government & schools: A George-Little Rock school district bond vote would fund major upgrades, including older buildings in both communities. Community support: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced a $1 million grant for her 10:33 Initiative to expand crisis-support services for families and children. Energy efficiency: The Pine Bluff Convention Center is retrofitting remaining non-LED lighting with utility incentives, aiming to cut annual energy costs. Crime & courts: North Little Rock police identified a pedestrian killed on Arkansas 161, and a St. Francis County warrant booking list was released.

Federal Courts & Voting Rights: President Trump nominated Eastern District of Arkansas Judge Lee Rudofsky to the 8th Circuit, a move that spotlights his record narrowing the Voting Rights Act and challenging parts of Arkansas’s “indoctrination” school ban. State Politics & Immigration: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson backed a Supreme Court filing defending detention of illegal immigrants without bond hearings, joining a coalition that includes Arkansas. Public Safety & Health: Arkansas is among states adopting a “I Gave Birth” silicone wristband program meant to flag postpartum risks and reduce maternal deaths. Community & Faith-Based Aid: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ 10:33 Initiative won a $1 million matching grant to expand CarePortal and grow the “No Wrong Door” support model. Arkansas Business: Dillard’s reported stronger second-quarter profits, boosted by tariff refunds tied to a Supreme Court decision. Local Notes: Little Rock-area news included a new fitness app built by a UA Little Rock alum for military fitness standards. Odds & Ends: A $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot was won by a ticket sold in Illinois, with Arkansas mentioned in related coverage.

School Safety Spending: Searcy School District unveiled new safe shelters at four campuses, installing 183 units at a $4.7 million cost funded by a 30-year debt-service millage extension voters approved in 2025. Local Government & Civic Life: Paragould was named Arkansas’ “Capital for a Day,” hosting Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and state leaders for a community meet-and-greet. Public Safety & Accountability: An Arkansas State Police trooper’s alleged punch of an 18-year-old woman during a traffic stop has triggered a federal lawsuit, with civil rights attorney Ben Crump arguing the force violated the Fourth Amendment and was retaliatory. Elections & Voting Rights: Trump nominated Lee Rudofsky to the Eighth Circuit, a move tied to his prior rulings narrowing enforcement of the Voting Rights Act. State Policy Watch: Lawmakers are considering the Arkansas Educational Adequacy Report, a Lake View-linked review of K-12 funding and whether the system meets constitutional requirements. Energy & Everyday Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile in multiple counties, with midgrade and diesel lows reported around early August. Community Health: A low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Bono aims to reduce Northeast Arkansas animal overcrowding. Leadership Loss: White County Judge Lisa Brown, 59, died after battling cancer.

SCOTUS & Pesticides: The Supreme Court ruled federal law preempts state “failure-to-warn” claims in pesticide-label cases, sending glyphosate litigation back to lower courts and potentially reshaping big verdicts. Ag Land Policy: A National Agricultural Law Center webinar previewed major shifts in federal foreign-ownership reporting and how states—including Arkansas—are tightening or changing rules. Local Government: Fort Smith’s Board of Directors is set to vote again on a proposed change of city government for the Nov. 3 ballot as petition signature verification continues. AI Governance: Clark County quorum court adopted an AI-in-workplace ordinance, allowing limited drafting and research uses while banning AI for legal, personnel, and enforcement decisions. Public Safety & Courts: Charges were dismissed in a Booneville rape case after the juvenile accuser couldn’t testify, canceling a scheduled trial. Energy & Growth: An Arkansas nuclear feasibility discussion points to where new reactors could go as demand rises from data centers and electrification. Data Centers: Independence County approved a moratorium on data center approvals, adding to a patchwork of local pauses across Arkansas. Civic Life: A League of Women Voters Arkansas executive director discussed the state budget’s prison costs, Education Freedom Accounts, and local-government impacts.

Ballot Initiative Fight: Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester disqualified Protect AR Rights’ proposed amendment after rejecting the signature pages because the popular name didn’t match the AG-approved wording. Prosecutor Appointment: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders named Mickey Buchanan to finish the Ninth West Judicial Prosecutor term, replacing Jana Bradford effective Sept. 2. Child Safety Expansion: The Child Safety Center will open a Heber Springs office inside City Hall to bring forensic interviews and trauma-informed services closer for Cleburne County families. Privacy vs. Surveillance: Centerton voted to end its Flock Safety license plate camera contract after resident pushback, joining other Arkansas cities reconsidering the tech. Local Government, Data Centers: Fort Smith’s board is set to vote again on a change-of-government question and is also weighing possible new rules for data center development, with water use a major concern. Civil Rights Lawsuit: A federal suit accuses an Arkansas State Police trooper of punching an 18-year-old during a traffic stop near Manila; lawmakers and the NAACP are demanding answers. Public Safety: A helicopter rescue pulled a dehydrated, heat-exhausted hiker off Pinnacle Mountain after a multi-agency response.

Child Exploitation Case: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin announced Eric Bowden of North Little Rock pled guilty to 50 counts tied to child sexual abuse material and was sentenced to 15 years. Local Courts & Public Safety: A judge put Joseph and Kendra Duggar’s child endangerment case on advisement for about a year, with dismissal possible if they keep good behavior. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure: Suspected Iranian hackers targeted U.S. water utilities, renewing warnings that many small systems remain easy targets. Local Government: Greenwood is debating Flock license plate reader cameras amid privacy concerns, following Pea Ridge and Mayflower’s moves to stop or suspend the tech. Health Care Access: March of Dimes reports nearly half of Arkansas counties are maternity care deserts, tied to high maternal mortality and Medicaid uncertainty. Food Safety Litigation: Lawsuits are piling up over Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak, with claims against Taco Bell and Taylor Farms and more expected. State Budget Oversight: Johnson County treasurer told the quorum court about roughly $608,000 in remaining ARPA funds plus interest, with spending deadlines looming. Politics & Community: A Fayetteville reparations push stalled after DEI backlash, with one group turning to churches for support.

Farm Bill Pressure: Arkansas Farmers Union says the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee’s failure to move the Farm Bill out of committee is a major setback for family farmers, praising some included items like year-round E15 and country-of-origin labeling while warning key gaps remain on farm safety nets, conservation funding, and protections against corporate monopolies. State & Local Governance: Little Rock voters will see major turnover on the city board this fall, with multiple seats on the ballot and two long-serving directors not filing to run again. Public Safety & Privacy: Mayflower becomes the latest Central Arkansas city to stop using Flock license plate reader cameras, citing intrusiveness and liberty concerns, following Cabot and Pea Ridge. Courts & Criminal Justice: Joseph and Kendra Duggar have withdrawn their not-guilty pleas and entered a plea-by-order that diverts their Arkansas case for a year while it remains open. Energy & Infrastructure: Arkansas Forward reports verified savings of $120.3 million, including new cost cuts at the Department of Health. Crime Update: Pine Bluff police arrested a fourth suspect in a kidnapping case tied to a violent criminal group. Appointments: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders will appoint a temporary special justice to fill in for Supreme Court Justice Barbara Webb while she recovers from a fall.

Powerball: The next jackpot is climbing to an estimated $905 million for Monday’s Aug. 10 drawing after Saturday’s drawing produced no grand-prize winner; numbers were 5-9-35-54-63 with Powerball 7, and the odds of hitting the top prize are 1 in 292 million. State Government & Policy: A new push in Congress would add annual reporting rules to the federal 340B drug discount program, with Arkansas Sen. John Boozman among the sponsors—aimed at more transparency around a program that supports safety-net providers. Health Care Politics: A POLITICO report says several Republican-led states, including Arkansas, are moving to enforce stricter Medicaid work rules earlier than the federal plan, raising concerns about more people losing coverage. Local Arkansas Governance: Arkansas State Police launched a week-long back-to-school safety campaign focused on drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists in school zones. Community & Water: The Upper Arkansas Watershed Partnership is holding open houses in Salida and Buena Vista to discuss watershed projects and water quality work.

Utility & Energy: Michael Marchand, a former executive director of the Arkansas Public Service Commission, has joined Walmart Energy as its state regulatory director, signaling continued corporate focus on grid and clean-power policy. Local Government: Little Rock approved moving ahead on a downtown sustainable energy district with ENFRA Solutions, linking heating and cooling across major city and partner buildings like City Hall and the Robinson Center. City Planning & Growth: Fort Smith’s board is set to review potential rules for data center development, including possible limits tied to high-volume water use and other permitting requirements. Health Policy: Arkansas’ Medicaid expansion remains under renewed pressure as federal work-rule and waiver debates raise the risk of coverage losses for vulnerable patients. Legal/Business: Creditors are asking a Little Rock bankruptcy judge to dismiss Tracie Kelley’s case, alleging she’s failed to answer most questions from creditors’ attorneys. Community & Education: Arkansas Colleges of Health Education received approval to launch a Doctor of Executive Leadership program, with the first class starting Aug. 10. Statewide Cleanup: Registration opened for the 2026 Great Arkansas Cleanup, running Sept. 12 through Oct. 31.