StateGov for Arkansas residents
For Arkansas residents, StateGov writes free plain-English guides to the Legislature and local government, and is designing The Docket, a free app that shows what your city, county, school board and state are deciding where you live. The Docket starts in Russellville and Pope County.
Last checked against the sources below.
Most decisions that touch your week are made by people close to home: a city council, a county quorum court, a school board, and the Legislature in Little Rock. The decisions are public, but they are posted in packets and agendas few people read. StateGov is a lab trying to make them easy to follow. Everything on this page is free.
Who decides what
| Body | What it is | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| City council | The elected council that governs a city. | Russellville |
| Quorum court | Each county's legislative body. It passes county ordinances and the county budget, and does not try cases. | Glossary, Pope County |
| School board | The elected board that governs a school district. | Russellville School Board |
| General Assembly | The Arkansas Legislature: a 100-member House and a 35-member Senate. | Glossary |
The Docket: your local government by zip code
The Docket is a free app we are designing. Pick your zip once, and it shows what your city council, quorum court, school board and the state are deciding where you live, with the date and how to show up.
- The plain question first. Each item leads with what is being decided, in everyday words, then who decides, the day, the money if there is any, and how to speak.
- Free to read. Every item is free. Donations are optional and never unlock anything.
- No opinions. It tells you what is being decided and how to show up. What you think is up to you.
The Docket is in design and coming to iPhone and Android, starting with Russellville and Pope County. You can get on the list to hear when it ships.
Following the Legislature
You do not need an app to follow the Arkansas Legislature. Start here:
- Find your legislators. The Legislature lists every House member and senator.
- Learn how a bill moves. A bill goes to committee, then to the floor of each chamber, then to the governor. Our guide to how a bill becomes law in Arkansas walks through each step.
- Speak at committee. According to the Arkansas House, the committee stage is when the public may speak for or against a bill. The Legislature posts committee meetings on its meetings and events calendar.
- Know the words. Our legislative glossary explains terms like do pass, engrossed and sine die.
Questions
Is The Docket free?
Yes. Every item is free to read. Donations are optional and never unlock anything.
When can I get The Docket?
The Docket is in design and coming to iPhone and Android, starting in Russellville and Pope County. Get on the list and we will write when it ships.
Can the public speak on a bill at the Arkansas Legislature?
Yes. The Arkansas House says the committee stage is when the public may speak for or against a bill. Check the Legislature's meetings calendar for when the committee meets.
Does StateGov tell me how to vote?
No. StateGov reports what is being decided and how to take part. What you think is up to you.
Sources
- Arkansas Senate: How a bill becomes a lawsenate.arkansas.gov
- Arkansas House: How does a bill become a law?arkansashouse.orgpublic may speak at committee
- Arkansas State Legislature: Legislatorsarkleg.state.ar.us
- Arkansas State Legislature: Meetings and eventsarkleg.state.ar.us