The Arkansas State Senate organized for the 90th General Assembly Wednesday, electing Senator Bart Hester as president pro tempore by acclamation, administering oaths of office to newly elected and returning senators and adopting the body’s rules for the session.

Senator Bart Hester was chosen president pro tempore by voice vote after his nomination; the presiding officer called for those in favor to signify by saying “aye,” and the ayes were declared to have it. Chief Justice Karen Baker and other judiciary officials administered oaths of office to multiple senators following certification of election results by Secretary of State Cole Jester “in accordance with Arkansas law.”

The rules of the Senate for the 90th General Assembly were presented by Senator Brianne Davis, who moved to adopt them “as amended and approved by the Senate of the 90th General Assembly during its organizational meeting on 11/07/2024.” With no questions, members adopted the rules by voice vote.

Senator Hester used his initial remarks to outline priorities and to praise the chamber’s recent record on budget and policy matters, saying the body must be prepared to respond to natural disasters and emphasizing continuity from prior leadership. The session included ceremonial presentations of lapel pins to senators and the reading of a lengthy calendar of bills and joint budget measures to be considered in the coming weeks.

Secretary of State Cole Jester delivered the official certification that members received the highest number of votes in their respective districts in the November 5, 2024, general election; the certification preceded the formal administering of oaths by members of the state Supreme Court and other judges.

Clerk and secretary business included formal announcements of leadership posts and committee rosters appointed by President Pro Tempore Hester, including majority and minority leaders and whips and a listed ethics committee and efficiency committee. The Senate scheduled its next session to convene at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025, recessing briefly to attend the State of the State address in the House before returning to the chamber for additional business.

Votes at a glance: the chamber recorded two formal approvals during the organizational meeting — the election of Senator Bart Hester as president pro tempore (adopted by acclamation) and adoption of the Senate rules for the 90th General Assembly (adopted by voice vote). A long slate of bills (Senate bills 1–46 and multiple joint-budget bills and resolutions) were read onto the calendar or announced by sponsor; no floor action on those individual bills occurred during this session.

What’s next: With organizational items completed, the Senate moves into the regular session calendar and committee work. Many appropriations and substantive policy bills were placed on the calendar and will be assigned to committees or scheduled for committee hearings and floor consideration in the coming days.