HB 1775 proposes changes to how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are valued for property taxes in Arkansas. The bill prohibits assessing an ADU separately from the primary residence. Instead, it requires residential property, including any accessory dwelling unit, to be valued and assessed as a single parcel for property tax purposes. This change would affect owners of residential properties with ADUs and is intended to be effective for assessment years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
House Bill 1408 aimed to allow qualifying patients and their designated caregivers in Arkansas to use specific pre-tax savings accounts for purchasing medical marijuana. The bill would permit the use of a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA) for these purchases. It defined these accounts according to existing federal guidelines. This change would have provided an additional payment method for individuals authorized to use medical marijuana under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016.
House Bill 1980 aimed to create the Technology and Energy for Sustainable Logistics Act (TESLA). A primary provision of the bill was to add electric vehicle charging stations to the definition of "critical infrastructure." This change would classify EV charging stations alongside other essential services and facilities, potentially impacting their security and regulation. An amendment to the bill further specified language regarding limiting or restricting unauthorized access or use of these facilities.
House Bill 1883, the Arkansas Fourth Amendment Protection Act, aims to regulate the collection of electronic data and metadata within the state. The bill prohibits Arkansas state agencies from assisting federal government agencies in collecting an individual's electronic data or metadata. This prohibition applies unless the person provides informed consent, or the collection occurs under a warrant based on reasonable cause and specific description, or through another legally recognized exception to warrant requirements.
HB 1070, titled "TO CREATE THE BALLOT DRAW STANDARDIZATION ACT OF 2025," aimed to establish standardized procedures for drawing ballots in elections. The bill's context does not provide specific policy details about its provisions or who it would directly affect. The bill was introduced with cosponsors added via amendment, passed committee review, but ultimately failed on third reading in the House on March 13, 2025. It died on the House calendar after the legislative session ended on May 5, 2025. No substantive policy changes or mechanisms are described in the provided context.
This bill amends campaign finance reporting requirements for candidates seeking school district, township, municipal, and county offices. It mandates annual reports for candidates not on a ballot and adjusts filing deadlines for certain preelection and supplemental reports. The bill also creates exceptions to preelection reporting for candidates with less than $500 in campaign activity (excluding filing fees) or those running unopposed. Conversely, candidates receiving over $5,000 in contributions will now be required to file monthly preelection reports.
House Bill 1655, as amended, proposes to create new criminal offenses: human smuggling and harboring illegal immigrants. The bill defines these offenses and establishes penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony, depending on factors such as repeat offenses or whether value was exchanged. It specifically clarifies that the bill does not restrict or prevent schools or higher education institutions from providing housing services to their regularly enrolled students.
House Bill 1197 aimed to prevent public schools in Arkansas from holding outdoor extracurricular activities when an excessive heat warning is declared by the National Weather Service. This bill would affect students participating in a wide range of activities, including athletics, fine arts programs, and special interest clubs. It specifically prohibits schools from scheduling, hosting, or requiring such outdoor events during these hazardous heat conditions. However, the proposed restrictions would not apply if the activity takes place in water or within a climate-controlled indoor facility.
House Bill 1464 aimed to create a sales and use tax exemption for farmers and agricultural businesses in Arkansas. It sought to exempt the gross receipts or proceeds from the sale of parts used to modify, replace, or repair existing agricultural equipment and machinery. Additionally, the bill proposed to exempt services related to the installation, alteration, or repair of this equipment. "Agricultural equipment and machinery" was defined to include items like irrigation pipe and aviation machinery used directly in farming, but excluded timber production equipment, motor vehicles, or hand tools.
House Bill 1371 proposes to remove a current requirement for individuals seeking a Commercial Driver License (CDL). Specifically, it would eliminate the mandate for applicants to complete a human trafficking prevention course as a condition for obtaining their CDL. This bill directly affects those applying for or renewing a commercial driver's license by altering the necessary steps for licensure.
HB 1473, through an adopted amendment, revises the enforcement provisions for laws concerning health-related cash discount cards. This change clarifies who can take legal action if these laws are violated. Under the amendment, both the Attorney General and any injured person, firm, private or public corporation, or trade association can file a lawsuit to stop violations and recover damages.
HB 1665 modifies the insurance premium tax credit available to accident and health insurers based on employee salaries and wages. The bill prohibits insurers from using this credit as an offset against premium taxes specifically for individual or group comprehensive hospital and medical coverage. It also adjusts the maximum percentage by which the credit can reduce the premium tax, lowering it to 50% for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023. Additionally, the bill maintains an existing annual cap of $18 million on the total credit an insurer can receive. This legislation directly affects insurance companies that currently utilize this tax credit.
