To Modernize References To The United States Armed Forces; And To Amend Armed Forces And Uniformed Services Listings To Include The United States Space Force.
Impact
The bill proposes amendments to various sections of Arkansas law where military service is referenced, amending language to ensure that individuals serving in the Space Force are eligible for benefits and considerations similar to those received by members of more established branches of the military. This is particularly important for statutes that provide for exemptions and services for veterans, ensuring comprehensive recognition of all military branches in state legislation. As a result, the amendment aims to facilitate a smoother transition for Space Force members into civilian life and enhance their access to state resources.
Summary
House Bill 1638 aims to modernize the references to the United States Armed Forces within Arkansas state laws by including the United States Space Force and updating terminology related to veterans and military services. The bill recognizes the Space Force as an official branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, established on December 20, 2019, and seeks to ensure that members of the Space Force are included in existing programs and services offered to military veterans in the state. This aligns Arkansas law with the current structure of the U.S. military and reflects changes necessary for the evolving nature of armed services.
Contention
While the bill appears largely straightforward in its intention to modernize and include the Space Force, discussions around the bill may raise questions regarding the adequacy of existing programs to accommodate new branches of the military. Notable points of contention could focus on how these changes may affect the distribution of resources among different branches, as well as whether lawmakers believe that benefits should be expanded for Space Force members or if current provisions are adequate. Additionally, there could be broader implications regarding state identity and recognition of new military branches within the broader narrative of national defense.
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To Create The Protect Arkansas Act; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Sentencing And Parole; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Criminal Offenses; And To Create The Legislative Recidivism Reduction Task Force.
To Create The Voter Integrity And Voter Registration Modernization Act Of 2023; To Allow Electronic Voter Registration; To Amend Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51; And To Amend The Duties Of The Secretary Of State.
To Amend The Public School Choice Act Of 2015; And To Amend The Eligibility Of Children Of Active Duty Uniformed Services Personnel To Participate In The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program.
To Create The Universal Newborn Screening Act; And To Ensure That Newborns Are Screened For Conditions Recommended By The United States Department Of Health And Human Services.
To Recognize Former United States Representative Tommy Franklin Robinson For His Lifetime Of Service To The United States Of America And To The State Of Arkansas.
To Authorize Certain Persons To Carry A Weapon On Department Of Corrections Property; To Authorize Certain Department Of Corrections Officials And Employees To Carry A Concealed Handgun; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Clarify That Criminal Background Checks Apply To All Emergency Medical Services Personnel; And To Amend The Criminal Background Check Law To Include Offenses Prosecuted In Other States Or By Federal Courts.
Relating to the organization, powers, and authority of the Texas State Guard, including the powers and authority of the adjutant general and governor relating to the Texas State Guard.