No-fault divorce bid falls 31-58 in House

Legislation that would have allowed speedier nofault divorces in Arkansas was defeated Wednesday in the House in a 31-58 vote, 20 votes short of the 51 needed for approval.

House Bill 1697, by Rep. Ashley Hudson, D-Little Rock, would have allowed couples to enter a no-fault divorce without the 18-month separation period now required by law.

Hudson said couples already can get quicker divorces by claiming general indignities, but that often requires them to air grievances that can become a part of the public record.

“This affects people who don’t want their children to read these,” Hudson said. “This affects people who are concerned about their standing in the community.”

Other lawmakers expressed concerns that the bill would lead to increased divorce rates, and cited their

A bill headed to the governor’s office would require Arkansas schools to notify parents and allow them to inspect materials before their children take part in lessons or activities dealing with off-curriculum topics related to sex education, sexual orientation and gender identity.

House sponsor Rep. Mary Bentley, R-Perryville, said Senate Bill 389 would result in better communication among parents and educators.

House Minority Leader Tippi McCullough, D-Little Rock, called the bill “another layer of discrimination” for students or parents who are LGBTQ.

The chamber passed the bill along party lines in a 7518 vote.