Rep. Mindy McAlindon

Maddy summarySenate Bill 572, known as the Public School Access and Transparency Act, requires public access to learning materials used and maintained by public schools. The bill specifies that custodians for public schools are responsible for these materials. It also establishes guidelines for individuals accessing copyrighted learning materials, stipulating that such materials can only be used for public inspection and any copies must adhere to fair use provisions under federal copyright laws.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 442 strengthens laws concerning human trafficking and creates the offense of harboring an endangered runaway child. The bill allows for the forfeiture of assets used to conduct human trafficking. It establishes procedures for distributing the proceeds from these forfeitures, directing funds to prosecuting attorneys' asset forfeiture funds and, for amounts exceeding certain thresholds, to the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund. Additionally, it creates human trafficking control funds for law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys, to be used for specific law enforcement and prosecutorial purposes.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 314 amends the law regarding sexual solicitation, directly affecting individuals convicted of this offense. The bill reclassifies the penalties for sexual solicitation. A first offense is now designated as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying maximum sentences of 90 days imprisonment and/or a $2,000 fine. For a second or subsequent offense, the bill reclassifies sexual solicitation as a Class

Maddy summarySenate Bill 427 enhances penalties for existing promoting prostitution offenses across the first, second, and third degrees. The bill reclassifies these offenses, increasing their severity, and creates a new offense specifically for promoting prostitution at a business. It also introduces mandatory fines, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, for individuals convicted of paying for sexual activity. These fine payments are directed to the Safe Harbor Fund for Sexually Exploited Children and the Human Trafficking Victim Support Fund.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 311, known as the End Organ and Genomic Harvesting Act, introduces restrictions on genetic technologies and organ transplant coverage in Arkansas related to "foreign adversaries." Starting October 1, 2025, medical and research facilities are prohibited from acquiring new genetic sequencers or analysis technologies from foreign adversaries and must store genetic sequencing data outside of these countries. Facilities are also required to annually report on their ongoing use of existing foreign adversary equipment. Additionally, health benefit plans in the state will not cover certain human organ transplants or post-transplant care if linked to foreign adversaries, though care to save a life after a prohibited transplant remains covered. This act primarily affects medical and research facilities, healthcare insurers, and individuals receiving related medical services.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1529 creates a new criminal offense and a civil cause of action related to "deepfake visual material." It makes it illegal to unlawfully create or distribute such material, directly affecting individuals involved in these actions. Additionally, the bill allows individuals who are victims of unlawfully created deepfake visual material to file a lawsuit to seek compensation. This legislation provides both criminal penalties and a civil remedy for the misuse of deepfake technology.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1680, now Act 811, restricts certain foreign entities from acquiring interests in land. It prohibits businesses controlled by a "foreign party" from leasing land. The bill also prevents "prohibited foreign parties" from holding an interest in real property or agricultural land under specific circumstances. An amendment clarifies that an individual is not considered a "prohibited foreign party" if they are also a citizen of the United States.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1681 establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program. This program provides grants to local entities to help fund improvements and upgrades to their water and sewer treatment infrastructure. The grants will be supported by revenues authorized by law. The program is set to expire five years after its effective date, and the administering commission is required to report annually on the status of all awarded grants.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1875 amends existing law regarding the use of ignition interlock devices. Its primary purpose is to extend the mandatory period for which individuals, often those with certain driving offenses, are required to use these devices. An amendment to the bill clarifies a notification procedure for device removal and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026, for the act.

Maddy summaryHB 1929, known as the Recognizing Judea and Samaria Act, prohibits state agencies from using the term "West Bank" in their official government materials and communications. Instead, state agencies are required to refer to this region as "Judea and Samaria." This bill directly affects how state agencies describe this specific geographic area in their official documents and communications.