Rep. Randy Torres

Maddy summaryHB 1998 creates the James McFerron Mental Health, Wellness, and Resiliency Act to improve mental health support for Arkansas first responders, including police, firefighters, EMTs, and correctional staff. The bill requires the Department of Public Safety to develop statewide training programs for peer-to-peer mental health support and provide resources on wellness, resiliency, and stress management. It mandates establishing a state-wide peer support network with certified members and ensures access to these services regardless of location. The Department must also submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislative Council detailing its implementation efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 1997 would exempt licensed childcare family homes from local zoning restrictions that typically prevent them from operating in residential areas across Arkansas. This directly affects childcare providers - especially those in rural communities - who currently face barriers to starting or expanding services due to restrictive zoning rules. The bill requires providers to still comply with health and safety regulations but removes zoning barriers, aiming to increase accessible childcare options. The General Assembly declared an emergency, stating that expanding childcare access is necessary for public health and safety. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment if signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 123 (now Act 553) removes a restriction preventing insurance coverage for mammograms and breast ultrasounds. The bill amends state law by deleting language that previously stated such screenings "shall not" be covered, requiring insurers to provide coverage for these preventive services. This directly affects Arkansans with health insurance who need routine mammograms or breast ultrasounds for early cancer detection. The change ensures these medically necessary screenings are covered under most insurance plans without prior authorization barriers.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1636 would phase out Arkansas' soft drink tax by gradually eliminating it based on sales tax collections from soft drink sales. The bill proposed replacing the current tax with a system tied directly to existing sales tax data, ensuring a smooth transition. This change would directly affect soft drink retailers (who collect the tax) and consumers (who pay it). The legislation aimed to replace an outdated tax structure with one aligned to current sales tax reporting practices.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 24, 2025, as "Teach Children to Save Day" in Arkansas. It is a ceremonial proclamation with no new laws, funding, or policy changes. The resolution encourages Arkansans to support existing financial literacy education efforts for children, highlighting the importance of teaching budgeting and saving skills early. It does not directly affect any specific groups or create new programs but aligns with the national "Teach Children to Save Day" initiative observed on that date.

Maddy summaryHB 1950 would prevent homeowners insurance companies in Arkansas from canceling or refusing to renew policies for licensed family childcare homes solely because they operate as childcare facilities. It requires operators to maintain a separate $100,000 personal liability insurance policy (in addition to standard homeowners insurance) and mandates insurers to provide written notice and a chance to fix issues before cancellation - without forcing operators to stop childcare services. The Arkansas Department of Education would enforce these rules, handling complaints about insurance discrimination. This bill directly affects childcare home operators and insurers, ensuring insurance access tied to compliance with state childcare regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1691 (now Act 497) clarifies that motor vehicles used exclusively for public charity purposes are exempt from personal property tax. This affects charities that operate vehicles solely for public service, such as volunteer ambulance services or nonprofit transportation for vulnerable populations. The bill amends tax law to explicitly include these vehicles under existing property tax exemptions, requiring them to be "used exclusively for purposes of public charity." The law became effective April 8, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1561) is a technical amendment to remove all references to "the State of Qatar" from existing state laws. It deletes phrases like "or the State of Qatar" or "from the State of Qatar" from 17 different sections of the code, correcting outdated or erroneous text. The bill does not create new policies, affect any individuals or groups, or change legal requirements. It was passed by both chambers and became law as Act 473 on April 8, 2025, solely to update legal references.

Maddy summarySB 189, now Act 396, allows pharmacies and consumers to purchase Ivermectin for human use without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare professional. The bill removes existing requirements for medical oversight when buying this medication. It directly affects pharmacies (which can now sell it without a prescription) and consumers (who can obtain it without seeing a doctor). The law took effect after the bill passed the legislature and was signed by the governor on March 31, 2025.