Using Legislative History in Arkansas to Determine Legislative Intent: An Examination of Cases and Review of the Sources

This article summarizes the legislative process in Arkansas. It lists and provides descriptions of Arkansas\u27s primary sources of legislation, including print and online resources. An examination of case law focuses on this question: what do Arkansas appellate courts mean when they say they consider legislative history in determining the intent of the legislature; specifically, what types of information will the courts consider? A brief discussion of several general rules of statutory construction in Arkansas precedes an examination of specific sources the courts have relied on. These sources include House and Senate Journals, act titles, preambles, emergency clauses, official commentary, executive and administrative interpretations and subsequent amendments