Rep. Robin Lundstrum

Maddy summarySenate Bill 204 proposes to exempt certain financial gains from state gross income for tax purposes. This exemption would apply to taxpayers whose property is acquired by a government or entity under the right of eminent domain or the threat of condemnation. Essentially, any profit a property owner makes from such a forced sale would not be considered taxable income under this bill.

Maddy summarySJR 13 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow candidates for Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Judge, Circuit Judge, and District Judge to declare their political party affiliation or independent status. If approved, this status could then be displayed on the election ballot. The amendment also grants the General Assembly the authority to enact laws detailing the election procedures for these judicial offices, including how candidates qualify and appear on primary and general election ballots. This change would affect how judicial candidates are identified to voters.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1776 aimed to amend the requirements for obtaining or expanding permits for solid waste landfills and transfer stations in Arkansas. The bill defined a "host community" as the closest governmental unit with zoning authority within a twelve-mile radius of the proposed site. It stipulated that applicants must first obtain a certificate of need from the regional solid waste management board, which would expire after four years during the permit application process. Furthermore, the application would need to include a city council resolution or quorum court minute order from the host community reflecting its decision, voted on at a regularly scheduled public meeting.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1904 proposed to amend the penalties for taxpayers who fail to comply with the Arkansas Tax Procedure Act. It aimed to reduce the maximum aggregate penalty for failing to file a required tax return from 35% to 10% of the tax due. The bill also sought to lower the maximum penalty for failing to pay various state taxes, including individual income tax, from 35% to 10% of the amount owed. These changes would have directly affected individuals and entities in Arkansas who do not meet tax filing or payment deadlines, provided the failure was not due to willful neglect.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1626, as amended, aimed to prohibit the sale of certain disposable vapor products. The bill's central provision was to ban the sale of disposable vapor products that originate from a "prohibited foreign party," a term defined by referencing an existing legal statute (§ 18-11-802). This measure would have directly impacted retailers selling vapor products and consumers who purchase them. The bill did not pass and died in committee.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 1004 (HJR 1004) proposes that the state formally requests the United States Congress to call a Convention of the States. The specific purpose of this convention would be to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment would establish term limits for members of the United States Congress, directly affecting those who serve in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 1775 proposes changes to how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are valued for property taxes in Arkansas. The bill prohibits assessing an ADU separately from the primary residence. Instead, it requires residential property, including any accessory dwelling unit, to be valued and assessed as a single parcel for property tax purposes. This change would affect owners of residential properties with ADUs and is intended to be effective for assessment years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1614, titled "TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DESIGNATIONS RELATED TO CERTAIN CRIMINAL JUSTICE GRANT PROGRAMS," proposes adjustments to the administration of these programs. An amendment to the bill specifically changes the reporting frequency for these grants from quarterly to annually. This means that agencies or organizations involved in managing or receiving funds from these criminal justice grant programs would submit required reports once a year instead of every three months. The change primarily affects the administrative and reporting obligations for those entities.

Maddy summaryHB 1910 proposes to allow a deduction for certain qualified business expenses under the Arkansas Income Tax Act of 1929. The bill specifically adopts Title 26 U.S.C. § 199A(a)-(h) of the federal tax code, which pertains to the deduction for qualified business income, for use in computing Arkansas income tax liability. This change would directly affect businesses and individuals with qualified business income in Arkansas, potentially reducing their state tax obligations. If passed, the provisions would be effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1906 aimed to amend Arkansas law to require written consent from a parent or legal guardian before a healthcare provider could prescribe long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) to individuals younger than eighteen years of age. This bill would have directly impacted minors seeking LARC by adding a new consent requirement to existing family planning provisions. An exception was included for emancipated minors, meaning they would not have needed parental consent under the bill's provisions.