Senate adopts joint-session resolution for Governor's address and recognizes CASA in April observance
April 08, 2026 | 2026 Legislature AR, Arkansas
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The Arkansas Senate adopted two resolutions and several procedural motions on April 8 as part of its organizational business. Senator Bart Hester’s Senate Resolution 1 was adopted to allow the Senate to recess and meet in a joint session with the House at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, in the House chamber to hear an address by Governor Sarah Sanders.
Shortly afterward the Senate added and adopted Senate Resolution 13, sponsored by Senator Dismang, to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and to commend the state’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs. The resolution text notes that in 2025, 2,780 children in Arkansas were served by more than 1,300 CASA advocates and praises volunteers who gather information and make recommendations to the court.
During floor discussion a senator who identified himself as chair of the budget committee asked about CASA’s funding needs. Senator Dismang said federal cuts to VOCA have strained resources and urged working with the federal delegation while also noting state responsibilities to support CASA programs. The Senate adopted the resolution by voice vote; sponsors urged colleagues to meet CASA representatives present in the Capitol.
The Senate also moved and carried a procedural motion to recess 10 minutes after the joint session and voted to suspend the intervening-day rule for the fiscal session. Leaders announced scheduling for joint budget work at 2:30 p.m. and set the next day's start time at 10 a.m.; the Senate adjourned subject to the reading of items across the desk until Thursday, April 9 at 10 a.m.
No roll-call tallies were recorded on the floor transcript for these voice-vote actions.
Shortly afterward the Senate added and adopted Senate Resolution 13, sponsored by Senator Dismang, to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and to commend the state’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs. The resolution text notes that in 2025, 2,780 children in Arkansas were served by more than 1,300 CASA advocates and praises volunteers who gather information and make recommendations to the court.
During floor discussion a senator who identified himself as chair of the budget committee asked about CASA’s funding needs. Senator Dismang said federal cuts to VOCA have strained resources and urged working with the federal delegation while also noting state responsibilities to support CASA programs. The Senate adopted the resolution by voice vote; sponsors urged colleagues to meet CASA representatives present in the Capitol.
The Senate also moved and carried a procedural motion to recess 10 minutes after the joint session and voted to suspend the intervening-day rule for the fiscal session. Leaders announced scheduling for joint budget work at 2:30 p.m. and set the next day's start time at 10 a.m.; the Senate adjourned subject to the reading of items across the desk until Thursday, April 9 at 10 a.m.
No roll-call tallies were recorded on the floor transcript for these voice-vote actions.
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