Rep. Mindy McAlindon

Maddy summarySB 317 prohibits Arkansas public institutions of higher education from engaging in specific activities with "prohibited foreign parties." It directly affects universities and colleges receiving state funding by banning them from conducting agricultural research under contract or selling agricultural products (including seeds) with such entities. The bill defines "prohibited foreign parties" but does not specify which entities qualify. This policy change restricts certain financial and research transactions between Arkansas colleges and designated foreign entities, without altering broader academic collaboration rules. The bill passed as Act 351 on March 20, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 263 (now Act 330) increases the amount of the homestead property tax credit available to Arkansas homeowners. This policy change directly benefits qualifying homeowners who own and occupy their primary residence, reducing their annual property tax bill. The bill amends the existing tax credit structure to provide a higher dollar amount for eligible taxpayers. It became law after passing the Arkansas legislature and being delivered to the Governor on March 13, 2025. The change represents a concrete adjustment to tax relief for qualified homeowners without altering eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1307 amends Arkansas' Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act to require institutions managing funds (like retirement or endowment funds) to document and publicly share specific details about service providers they consult. The bill mandates that institutions record fees, historical investment performance, and proof of compliance with existing rules, then publicly post notices seeking new service providers. This directly affects fund managers by increasing transparency in their vendor selection process. The law became effective as Act 308 on March 18, 2025, after passing the Arkansas Senate with Amendment No. 1.

Maddy summaryHB 1581 amends Arkansas law to include "trafficking of persons" (under § 5-18-103) and "grooming a minor for future sex trafficking" (under § 5-18-106) in the legal definition of "sex offense" for victim rights purposes. This change directly affects victims of human trafficking and minor grooming, granting them the same legal protections and rights as victims of other defined sex offenses. The bill adds these specific crimes to the existing list in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1101(6), ensuring they qualify for victim services and support under the state's rights framework. It does not create new penalties but expands eligibility for victim protections. The bill was enacted as Act 316 on March 18, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 246, the Arkansas Access Act, prohibits Arkansas public schools from granting excused absences for political protests. It allows excused absences for student participation in social or public policy advocacy or efforts to influence legislation, but only with written consent from a parent, guardian, or legal custodian. Schools must annually report to the state education division the number of such absences requested, granted, and the stated purpose of each absence. The bill directly affects public school districts and charter schools in Arkansas, along with students and their families.

Maddy summaryHB 1512, now Act 341, prohibits Arkansas public schools and charter schools from granting excused absences for "political protest." It allows excused absences for student "social or public policy advocacy" or "influencing legislation" only with parental consent. Schools must annually report the number of such absences and their purposes to the education division. The law directly affects public school students, parents, and school administrators by changing absence policies for non-academic activities.

Maddy summaryHCR 1007 is a concurrent resolution urging Congress to reevaluate Medicare reimbursement rates for Arkansas healthcare providers. It specifically requests that Congress adjust the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule locality structure to create separate reimbursement categories for the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers (CBSA 22220) and Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway (CBSA 30780) metropolitan areas, which currently share a single locality code (Locality 13) despite higher operational costs. The resolution argues that current reimbursement rates fail to reflect actual practice costs in these urban areas, disproportionately impacting providers and limiting patient access to care. Arkansas lawmakers note the state ranks third-worst nationally for Medicare locality reimbursement, urging Congress to correct this to ensure fair compensation aligned with regional economic realities. (Note: This is a non-binding resolution, not a law, intended to encourage federal action.)

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1069) formally recognizes Women’s History Month in March 2025 and International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, through the Arkansas House of Representatives. It also specifically acknowledges the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas for its work improving economic mobility for women and girls in the state. The resolution has no binding policy requirements - it is a symbolic gesture of recognition, not a law creating new programs or funding. It was adopted by the Arkansas House on March 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives expressing support for President Trump's nomination of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel. It has no legal effect but urges swift confirmation to strengthen U.S.-Israel relations, citing Huckabee's experience, pro-Israel advocacy, and religious ties. The resolution was adopted unanimously and transmitted to the President and Senate for consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 (now Act 238) amends Arkansas criminal law to establish a new offense for "unlawful squattering." The bill makes it a criminal violation for a person to occupy property without the owner's permission, specifically targeting individuals who enter or remain on property after being asked to leave. This directly affects individuals occupying vacant or abandoned properties without legal right, such as vacant homes or land. The key provision creates a specific criminal charge (likely a misdemeanor) for this conduct, distinct from general trespass laws, and specifies that the offense applies after the owner or their agent has issued a verbal or written demand to vacate.