Rep. Rebecca Burkes

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 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.

Maddy summarySB 181 amends Arkansas law to change qualifications for the State Librarian and regional library system directors. It allows work experience in library science or operations to substitute for a master's degree from an American Library Association-accredited program, if approved by the governing board. The bill ensures libraries and regional systems meeting these revised requirements remain eligible for state funding. This applies specifically to the State Librarian position and directors of regional library systems.

Maddy summaryHB 1486 amends Arkansas law governing how the State Highway Commission handles surplus property acquired for highway projects. It specifically changes the process for reacquiring partial parcels (remnants) of land that become surplus, requiring the Commission to determine current market value using three certified appraisers instead of a fixed price. This directly affects landowners whose property was partially acquired by the state for highway use but now has surplus portions. The bill ensures reacquisition payments reflect current market conditions for these partial parcels, rather than the original acquisition price. The change applies to all future reacquisition actions under Arkansas Code § 27-67-322(c).

Maddy summarySB 206 increases the literacy tutoring grant under Arkansas' Right to Read Act from $500 to $1,500 per eligible student annually. The bill specifically amends Arkansas Code § 6-17-429(j)(2)(B) to establish this higher funding level, prioritizing students at risk of grade retention (e.g., third graders). Public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools providing literacy tutoring for eligible students receive this grant on a first-come, first-served basis. The change directly affects schools implementing the Right to Read Act's tutoring program, increasing per-student funding to support reading intervention.

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.