Latest news with #Act120
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Yahoo
Arkansas State Police celebrates 90th anniversary
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) —The Arkansas State Police (ASP) is marking 90 years since its establishment as the state's primary law enforcement agency. On Mar. 19, 1935, Governor J.M. Futrell and the Arkansas General Assembly approved Act 120, creating the ASP. Initially composed of 13 officers, the agency was tasked with enforcing traffic laws and newly enacted liquor regulations. Over time, its responsibilities expanded to include criminal investigations and highway patrol. 1948 – ASP established separate divisions for highway patrol and criminal investigations. 1957 – The agency expanded under Governor Orval Faubus, increasing its presence across the state. 1967 – ASP hired its first African American officer, Marion Taylor, and engaged in efforts to enforce state laws in Hot Springs, where illegal gambling had persisted. 1975 – Barbara Cart became the agency's first female officer, and ASP integrated computerized records into its operations. 1980s-1990s – The agency expanded its drug enforcement initiatives, including a marijuana eradication program and drug interdiction units. 2019 – ASP was placed under the newly formed Arkansas Department of Public Safety as part of Act 910. Today, ASP operates as a division within the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, with nearly 1,000 officers and civilian employees. The agency remains responsible for law enforcement efforts across the state, including highway safety and criminal investigations. University of Arkansas issues measles advisory amid U.S. surge Since its founding, ASP has contributed to a decline in traffic fatality rates, from 24 deaths per 100 million miles traveled in 1934 to two per 100 million miles by 2001, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. 'We want to honor and thank all of the men and women – past and present – who have proudly worn the badge and Big Hat in selfless service to the citizens of our great state,' ASP Colonel Mike Hagar said in a news release. 'Here's to many more wonderful years ahead for YOUR ARKANSAS STATE POLICE!' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New laws going into effect in Arkansas from the 95th General Assembly
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed 133 bills into law since their introduction in the current Arkansas legislative session. Some bills, which became acts after the governor's signature, were part of high-profile legislative agendas introduced early in the session. The 133 also included more routine acts, such as annual funding allocation. Four takeaways from the sixth week of the Arkansas 95th General Assembly Multiple acts will impact life in Arkansas, including last Thursday's signing of laws impacting schools. The free school breakfast and Bell to Bell No Cell Act will go into effect in the 2025-2026 school year. The governor also signed 10 more bills Thursday, including the , a signature piece of legislation that loosens restrictions on access to healthcare for pregnant and postpartum mothers. Also signed on Thursday was a bill to ease restrictions on the sale of , allowing it to take place away from the farm where it was produced. Arkansas ACCESS higher education bills entered in legislature Other bills crossed the governor's desk earlier in the week for signature. Senate Bill 3 essentially eliminates DEI in state operations by calling for a prohibition 'on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin,' according to the bill's language. That same day, Senate Bill 89 became Act 120, a law mandating that school districts place the minutes of meetings and the contact info for board members on the district's website. Fireworks will now be easier to purchase in the state, as House Bill 1324 was signed into law, changing the start date for selling summer fireworks in the state from June 20 to June 13. Finally, Senate Bill 102 places restrictions on canvassers for local elections. Two additional bills on signature gatheringforballot questions are now in the legislative process. Pressure for, against petition process changes in Arkansas legislature For a complete list of signed acts during the 95th General Assembly, head to the Arkansas Legislature website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
CAPITOL ROUNDUP: Sen. Yaw measure to establish Independent Energy Office approved by Senate
Feb. 9—WILKES-BARRE — Legislation establishing an Independent Energy Office (IEO) in Pennsylvania was approved this week by the state Senate, according to Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Williamsport, sponsor of the measure. "Pennsylvania has one of the most diverse energy portfolios in the United States," Yaw said. "I believe an Independent Energy Office can streamline our approach to responsible energy policy and ensure a more cohesive strategy for managing our vast natural resources." Senate Bill 187, Yaw said, would model the IEO after Pennsylvania's Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), which was created by Act 120 of 2010 and Act 100 of 2016. Yaw said the IFO does not support or oppose any policy it analyzes and discloses the methodologies, data sources and assumptions used in published reports and estimates. Numerous industry representatives expressed support for the bill, including the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. "Sen. Yaw's leadership on this legislation is a win for Pennsylvania's economy and our energy future," said Amy Brinton, the Chamber's director of government affairs. "Establishing an Independent Energy Office will help us collect and analyze the data and insights needed to make smart energy decisions, strengthen grid reliability and keep Pennsylvania competitive. Energy drives our economy, and this bill helps secure our position as a global energy leader." The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Rep. Meuser votes to permanently schedule fentanyl analogues U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week supported H.R. 27 — the HALT Fentanyl Act — bipartisan legislation that would permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Without congressional action, the current temporary scheduling expires on March 31, 2025. Fentanyl overdoses continue to devastate communities nationwide, including those in Pennsylvania. In 2023, fentanyl was linked to 76% of Pennsylvania's 4,721 overdose deaths. Rep. Meuser said keeping these lethal substances under Schedule I gives law enforcement the tools to go after traffickers while allowing researchers to understand fentanyl analogs better. In 2018, Meuser said the DEA, under President Trump, issued an emergency order placing all fentanyl-related substances under strict federal control. Congress has since extended this order multiple times, but the HALT Fentanyl Act would make it permanent, reinforcing efforts to combat the growing opioid crisis. In 2024, Rep. Meuser said U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized more than 21,000 pounds of fentanyl at U.S. borders — enough to kill more than 4 billion people. This lethal drug is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, fueling a skyrocketing rise in overdoses across the country. "In 2023, a Pennsylvanian lost their life to a drug overdose every two hours," said Rep. Meuser. "The HALT Fentanyl Act is a commonsense, bipartisan measure that gives law enforcement the authority to target traffickers, while allowing researchers to study these dangerous substances contributing to the opioid crisis." Rep. Meuser said the HALT Fentanyl Act passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, 312 — 108, and now awaits Senate consideration. Sen. Fetterman advocates reform in mental health support for servicemembers U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, this week sent a letter to Lieutenant General Telita Crosland, Director of the Defense Health Agency, urging the Department of Defense (DoD) to consider allocating funds for new mental health care application programming and reform existing efforts. In the letter, Sen. Fetterman writes: "As DoD considers how to spend its greater than $60 billion annual budget for military health care funding in Fiscal Year 2026, I urge the Department to consider allocating funds for new mental health care application programming. We know this funding will pay for itself long term — the estimated return on investment is about $4 for every $1 spent. Prioritizing creative, preventative care measures like mobile applications will equip our service members with the tools and resources they need to navigate personal adversity and avoid mental health emergencies." In his letter, Sen. Fetterman highlighted how mental health mobile applications have proven to be effective in managing depression and reducing related symptoms among users. These types of apps are typically free or low-cost to users, discreet for use at a moment's notice, and can be used without cellular service or WiFi, which is crucial if a service member is deployed. However, despite their potential, Sen. Fetterman said DoD's existing apps are underutilized — of the mobile apps currently available to service members, only two were used by more than 1,500 individuals over a three-month period studied by DoD. Sen. McCormick announces commissions to identify U.S. Marshal, U.S. Attorney candidates U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pittsburgh, this week announced that his office will establish independent commissions to identify U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal candidates to fill vacancies in the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Pennsylvania. The three commissions — one in each of the three districts — will be comprised of 8 to 10 members led by a chair and will be tasked with vetting candidates and making recommendations. "I want to ensure that the people of Pennsylvania have strong U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals working for them to prosecute criminals and keep our communities safe," Sen. McCormick said. "I'm establishing these commissions to ensure that the process for filling these vacancies is rigorous, fair, and produces exceptional candidates who are prepared to serve and protect all Pennsylvanians." Sen. McCormick's office will soon name the members and chairs of each commission. His office will also provide information for how to apply to be considered for the U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal positions. For questions, contact pacommission@ Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Yahoo
Township hiring full-time police officer
SHENANGO TWP., Pa. (WKBN) — The Shenango Township Police Department is accepting applications for a full-time police officer position. Applicants must be 21 years old by appointment, be a U.S. citizen with a high school diploma or equivalent, have a valid driver's license and current Act 120 certification. The department also requires applications to have 'good morals and character.' The starting wage is between $42,900-$57,200 plus a $750 signing bonus. Incentives include a 12-hour work schedule, alternating weekends off, double holiday pay and overtime opportunities. The police department serves both Shenango Township and West Middlesex Borough. A release states it responds to about 5,500 incidents annually. Applications can be obtained at the police department located at 3439 Hubbard-West Middlesex Road or requested and submitted via email at jnewton@ Applications are due by 4 p.m. Feb. 14. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
