Rep. Robin Lundstrum

Maddy summaryHB 1452 clarifies where medical marijuana use is prohibited, banning vapor inhalation in schools, public transport, and correctional facilities, and smoking in vehicles, near children, or where it could affect others. It specifically prohibits possessing unsealed medical marijuana (not in a dispensary-provided container) in a motor vehicle if it's accessible to the driver and in a form usable for smoking. Violations are classified as Class C misdemeanors. The law directly affects medical marijuana patients and caregivers who use or transport the substance, particularly in vehicle settings or public spaces.

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 summaryHB 1007, now Act 248, provides legal immunity to certain individuals involved in shooting sports events, shielding them from liability claims for injuries that occur during these events. It directly affects event organizers, participants, and staff by limiting their legal responsibility for accidental injuries sustained at such events. The key mechanism is the immunity provision, which would prevent lawsuits from being filed against these individuals for injuries related to the event. The bill was enacted into law in Arkansas on March 6, 2025.

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 134 reduces the frequency of meetings for two Arkansas advisory commissions (public school employee and state employee health benefit commissions) from monthly to quarterly, requiring a minimum of four meetings annually instead of twelve. It also cuts stipends for non-employee appointed members from $500 to $100 per month. The bill directly affects commission members who serve in these advisory roles. This procedural change modifies operational details without altering health benefit policies or coverage.

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 summaryHB 1048 (now Act 125) allows small-scale dairy farmers to sell unpasteurized goat, sheep, and whole milk directly to consumers beyond just on their farm. The law clarifies that incidental sales - such as at farmer's markets or via farm delivery - no longer require the milk to be sold solely on the premises where it's produced. This directly affects farmers who produce raw milk and consumers who purchase it, removing previous restrictions on sales locations. The bill also permits advertising these sales, making the process more flexible for small producers. The change became effective February 20, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 1263 creates a new Class A misdemeanor offense for individuals under electronic monitoring supervision (such as probation, parole, or pending charges) who knowingly remove their tracking device or fail to properly charge it, causing location monitoring to fail. The law defines "electronic monitoring device" as a location-tracking device approved by corrections officials. Violators face misdemeanor penalties and must pay restitution for device repair or replacement costs. This directly affects people under court-ordered electronic supervision in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryHB 1311 requires Arkansas's Legislative Auditor to create a standardized "uniform chart of accounts" for cities of the second class and incorporated towns. This system will standardize how these local governments track and report their public funds, including revenue, spending, and balances. Key features include uniform account coding, detailed budgeting tools, and clear breakdowns of expenditures by department and purpose. The bill mandates that cities implement this system within 36 months of the law taking effect. The change directly affects city administrators and finance departments in these municipalities, aiming to improve financial transparency and reporting consistency.

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.