Arkansas Governor Looking at Possible Special Session

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Gov. Asa Hutchinson mentioned Friday that he was contemplating calling a particular session of the Arkansas Legislature later this yr after finance officers mentioned they anticipated the state’s surplus to hit $1 billion by the tip of the yr.

Hutchinson, a Republican, mentioned he was weighing proposals to make use of the excess cash to increase broadband entry within the state, deal with further faculty facility funding wants due to inflation and additional tax aid.

Hutchinson mentioned he didn’t anticipate to resolve whether or not to name a particular session till mid- to late summer season on the earliest and would rely upon whether or not there was consensus behind any proposals.

The governor didn’t elaborate on how a lot cash he was contemplating for every proposal. The state’s surplus for the fiscal yr, which started July 1, is approaching $500 million, state finance officers mentioned earlier this month.

Hutchinson mentioned the session may additionally deal with the U.S. Supreme Court docket’s anticipated ruling on Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban. That ruling might overturn or weaken Roe v. Wade.

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