Rep. Mindy McAlindon

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) recognizing homeschooling in Arkansas. It designates February 26, 2025, as "Homeschool Day" at the Arkansas State Capitol to honor the contributions of homeschooling families, citing that over 30,000 students were homeschooled in Arkansas during the 2023-2024 school year. The resolution highlights benefits like flexibility, customization for special needs, and family-focused learning, but it does not change any education policies or create new programs. It was adopted by the Arkansas House of Representatives on February 26, 2025, as a symbolic gesture.

Maddy summarySB 142, now Act 122, bans students from possessing or using personal electronic devices (like phones) during the entire school day, directly affecting public school students. The law requires schools to update discipline policies to include specific exemptions: devices issued by the school for educational use, special events (defined by future rules), and devices needed for students with special education plans or concurrent enrollment college courses. It replaces prior rules with these clear exemptions while maintaining the overall "bell to bell" device ban. The bill passed in February 2025 and became law without additional committee action.

Maddy summarySB 78 requires Arkansas driver's instruction manuals and license exams to include specific safety information about highway work zones. The bill mandates that the written test include questions on "the safe operation of a motor vehicle in a highway work zone" (Arkansas Code § 27-16-706) and updates the manual to cover hazards, penalties for violations, statistics on dangers, worker testimonials, and a Q&A section (Arkansas Code § 27-18-108). This directly affects new drivers learning to drive by incorporating work zone safety into standard licensing requirements. The policy change focuses on educating drivers about the specific risks and rules of navigating construction zones before they receive their license.

Maddy summaryHB 1204 (now Act 28) amends Arkansas law to clarify that plaintiffs in medical negligence cases can only recover the actual costs they paid for necessary medical care, treatment, or services - or costs legally owed by them or a third party. It directly affects individuals filing medical malpractice claims and healthcare providers by limiting recoverable damages to amounts actually paid or legally responsible. The key provision changes the standard for medical cost recovery from billed rates to verified payments, preventing recovery of unpaid or inflated charges. This law, enacted on February 11, 2025, provides a clearer financial framework for medical negligence claims in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryHB 1280 prohibits Arkansas state agencies from using public funds to purchase promotional items manufactured in China. The bill amends existing law to explicitly ban such purchases, directly affecting all state agencies that buy branded merchandise (like pens, calendars, or giveaways) for promotional purposes. Key provisions include adding a new section (25-1-1204) to the Arkansas Code that states: "A state agency shall not spend public funds to purchase promotional items made in the People's Republic of China." This policy change applies immediately to all state agency spending on promotional items, with no exceptions specified in the bill text.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing Lorie Tudor for her 41-year career with the Arkansas Department of Transportation. It formally acknowledges her service to the state but contains no policy changes or funding provisions. The resolution has no direct impact on citizens, laws, or government operations - it serves only as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. No voting record is relevant, as it does not advance legislation.