

Legislators also select 20 state representatives and 16 state senators to serve on the Arkansas Legislative Council, which oversees the Bureau of Legislative Research and acts as an organizing committee for the legislature. The governor has veto power, but a simple majority of both houses of the legislature can override that veto. Bills undergo committee review and three readings on the floor of each house of the legislature. The legislative process is similar to that of other state legislatures in the United States. The General Assembly of Arkansas is responsible making and amending the laws of Arkansas.

In 1922, Frances Hunt became the first woman elected to a seat in the General Assembly when she was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives. Originally, legislators met biennially, but today meet annually. The constitution has also been amended throughout the state's history since 1874. The first constitution was ratified on January 30, 1836, and the current constitution was adopted in 1874. The General Assembly of Arkansas is authorized by the Arkansas Constitution, which is the state's fifth constitution. The General Assembly meets at the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock. The governor of Arkansas can issue a "call" for a special session during the interims between regular sessions. A session lasts for 60 days unless the legislature votes to extend it. The General Assembly convenes on the second Monday of every other year. All 135 representatives and state senators represent an equal number of constituent districts. The legislature is a bicameral body composed of the upper house Arkansas Senate with 35 members, and the lower Arkansas House of Representatives with 100 members.

The General Assembly of Arkansas is the state legislature of the U.S.
