CPAC Releases 2025 Arkansas State Ratings

The 2025 Arkansas CPAC Scorecard provides a comprehensive evaluation of the state’s legislative session, analyzing 14 votes in the State Senate and 16 votes in the State House. During this period, the average score for Republicans in the state was 79%, a slight decline from the 82% average recorded in 2023. In contrast, the average score for Democrats saw a notable increase to 45%, up from just 5% in the previous session, a change largely credited to bipartisan support for common-sense measures. Overall, the session was characterized by a push for personal freedom, tax relief, and property rights, alongside ongoing efforts to curb out-of-control government spending and regulatory overreach.

Legalizing Raw Milk (HB 1048)

In a bipartisan initiative, the legislature prioritized consumer choice and agricultural freedom with the passage of HB 1048, which legalized the sale of raw milk, including that from goats and sheep. This policy allows for voluntary exchange between consenting adults without restricting sales solely to farms. By removing these artificial barriers to market entry, lawmakers aimed to support small producers while respecting the autonomy of families to make their own dietary decisions without bureaucratic interference. The bill passed the House with an overwhelming 94-3 vote in February 2025 and subsequently became law.

Defending Property Rights (HB 1049)

To address concerns regarding community stability and the rule of law, the legislature enacted HB 1049 to criminalize unlawful squatting. This reform reinforces the principle that property ownership carries enforceable rights, ensuring that law-abiding homeowners are protected from illegal occupation. By establishing firm legal boundaries, lawmakers sought to prevent the erosion of property values and discourage lawlessness while promoting responsible land use and continued investment in local neighborhoods.

Rejecting Politicized Investments (HB 1307)

The passage of HB 1307 marked a significant step in shielding public resources from ideological influence by barring state institutions from investing funds that prioritize social agendas over fiduciary duty. This legislation ensures that public dollars and retirement systems are managed strictly for financial performance and professionalism. By refocusing state investments on fiscal returns rather than political activism, the policy protects taxpayers from being forced to subsidize causes they may fundamentally oppose.

Establishing Core Curriculum Standards

Lawmakers moved to strengthen the state's educational framework by passing a bill that requires a standardized core curriculum for all state-supported schools. This initiative was supported as a means to enhance educational requirements and ensure consistency in what students are taught across the state. The House approved the measure in April 2025 with a vote of 88-5, leading to its enactment into law.

Securing Ballot Initiatives

In an effort to maintain the integrity of local governance, the legislature passed a bill requiring a photo ID for individuals signing ballot initiatives. This measure aims to protect the democratic process by ensuring that only legitimate residents participate in local initiatives, thereby preventing the influence of non-residents on state-level policy decisions. The bill received 70-24 approval in the House in late February 2025 and has since become law.

Removing Food Taxes (HB 1685)

Meaningful tax relief was delivered through HB 1685, which eliminated the gross receipts tax on food and food ingredients. This reform recognizes that taxing necessities is inherently regressive and disproportionately affects lower-income families. By removing this burden, lawmakers allowed households to retain more of their income while simultaneously reducing the administrative complexity faced by businesses that sell these goods.

Supporting Nonprofit Organizations (HB 1671)

The legislature acted to support civil society by passing HB 1671, which removed gross receipts and sales taxes for nonprofit organizations. Because these taxes apply regardless of an organization's profit or loss, they were viewed as a significant friction point for charitable activities. This change allows nonprofits to dedicate more of their limited resources to their primary missions rather than tax compliance, providing a private alternative to the expansion of government-run social programs.

Reforming Welfare Requirements (HB 1751 and HB 1915)

Efforts to promote self-sufficiency and personal responsibility were strengthened through HB 1751 and HB 1915, which enhanced work requirements for public assistance. These policies require individuals to engage in job search activities during the TANF application process and establish clear eligibility standards for programs like SNAP. The goal of these reforms is to ensure that welfare serves as a transitional safety net rather than a permanent fixture, prioritizing assistance for those in true need while discouraging the unchecked growth of entitlement programs.

The 2025 legislative session in Arkansas established a clear trajectory toward expanded personal liberty and fiscal discipline through a series of landmark reforms. By successfully advancing measures that protect private property, reduce the tax burden on essential goods, and safeguard public investments from political interference, the state has reaffirmed its commitment to limited government and individual responsibility. While challenges remain, specifically regarding the passage of selective subsidies and the potential for increased spending, the session overall demonstrated a strong appetite for policies that favor market-driven growth and the protection of constitutional rights.

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