Rep. Hope Duke

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1791 aimed to clarify that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) do not hold jurisdiction or power within the state of Arkansas. It sought to prevent the state and its political subdivisions, including counties and school districts, from enforcing or implementing any requirements or mandates issued by these international organizations. The bill specifically prohibited using such mandates as a basis for actions like imposing requirements for masks, vaccinations, or medical testing that conflict with Arkansas law. Additionally, it aimed to prevent the use of WHO or UN mandates to gather public or private information about Arkansas citizens or residents.

Maddy summaryHJR 1015 was a proposed constitutional amendment in Arkansas that aimed to change how judicial candidates appear on the ballot. If approved, it would have required candidates for Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Judge, Circuit Judge, and District Judge to declare their political party affiliation or independent status. This declared affiliation or independent status would then be printed on the ballot for voters to see. The stated purpose of the amendment was to ensure transparency regarding judicial candidates' affiliations. This amendment would have taken effect on January 1, 2027, if passed.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 5 (SCR 5) is a resolution that expresses the Arkansas General Assembly's continued encouragement for the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to achieve National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation. The resolution commends the Institute's progress, acknowledges its fundraising efforts, and encourages further private fundraising and collaboration among state entities to support this goal. This legislative action aims to facilitate the establishment of an NCI-designated cancer center in Arkansas, which could expand access to advanced cancer treatments, clinical trials, and research for Arkansans.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 313, as amended, concerns forensic mental health evaluations and treatment within the legal system. It establishes procedures for prosecutors and defense counsel to request mental health evaluations for defendants, allowing for ex parte or in camera hearings when privileged information is involved. The bill details the court's authority to order the administration of medication to incarcerated defendants to maintain their fitness to proceed, outlining specific conditions based on whether the defendant poses a danger. Additionally, time spent in the department's physical custody under these provisions counts towards credit for time served.

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 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 1793 updates the law concerning positive behavioral supports in Arkansas public school districts, impacting students, school personnel, and district policies. It requires school districts to implement a multi-tiered system of supports to prevent challenging behaviors and teach social, emotional, and behavioral skills. The bill emphasizes training school personnel in de-escalation and physical restraint prevention, limiting restraint use to situations of imminent danger. It also refines definitions for "punishment" and "positive behavioral support," mandating districts to adopt evidence-based discipline strategies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the Gravette High School Lions wrestling team as the 2025 Class 4A state champions. It does not create new policy or affect any laws; it is purely a symbolic gesture of acknowledgment. The resolution will be presented to the team's coach, A.J. Herrlein, following its adoption by the Arkansas House of Representatives. This type of recognition resolution is common for athletic achievements and has no financial or regulatory impact.

Maddy summaryHB 1794 creates new exemptions from continuing education requirements for certain experienced real estate licensees in Arkansas. Specifically, it allows salespersons, associate brokers, principal brokers, and executive brokers who meet strict criteria (including being 72+ years old, holding an active license for 25+ consecutive years, having no disciplinary actions in 5 years, and no delinquent education requirements) to apply for exemption during license renewal. The bill establishes a formal application process requiring written proof of these qualifications to the Arkansas Real Estate Commission. Exemptions may be revoked if disciplinary action occurs after approval, and denied applications can be appealed. This directly affects long-tenured, low-risk licensees who qualify under the specified conditions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 29, 2025, as Vietnam War Veterans Day and March 2025 as Vietnam Era Veterans Month in Arkansas. It formally recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of Vietnam War veterans through state-level ceremonial observance. The resolution does not create new laws, programs, or benefits - it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. It affects Arkansas residents by establishing official dates for state-level recognition of veterans' service.