Rep. Robin Lundstrum

Maddy summaryHB 1352 (now Act 937) is a technical amendment to a bill that primarily changes a single word in the legislation - replacing "and" with "or" on page 6, line 31. It does not introduce new policies, alter substantive requirements, or directly affect any specific groups or entities. The bill was passed by the Arkansas Senate with Amendment No. 1 and signed into law on April 21, 2025. As a minor procedural correction, it has no meaningful impact on how the law operates or who it governs.

Maddy summaryHJR 1018, titled "THE CITIZENS ONLY VOTING AMENDMENT," is a joint resolution that successfully passed both legislative chambers and was approved by the Governor. Based on its title, this bill proposes an amendment aimed at restricting voting eligibility to citizens only. However, the provided bill text primarily consists of an amendment adding various representatives and senators as cosponsors to the resolution, and does not detail the specific language, mechanisms, or provisions of the proposed "Citizens Only Voting Amendment" itself.

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 492, now Act 699, amends the laws concerning the relocation of utility facilities and the acquisition of real property by the State Highway Commission. The bill clarifies that "utility" includes cable and broadband services, but excludes interstate railways. It establishes civil penalties of $500 per business day for non-municipal utility systems that fail to comply with relocation requirements or agreements after receiving notice. However, penalties are not assessed if a utility meets the final relocation completion date, or if delays are caused by extraordinary events, improper excavation, or good-faith efforts to acquire right-of-way.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 352 prohibits antisemitism in public elementary and secondary schools. It also extends this prohibition to state-supported institutions of higher education. The bill establishes a standard for conduct within these educational environments, directly affecting students, faculty, and staff. This legislation aims to prevent and address antisemitic acts or expressions within these institutions.

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 summaryBased on the title, Senate Bill 390, now Act 695, establishes the State Apprenticeship Agency Act. This bill creates a framework for a state agency dedicated to apprenticeship programs. Without the full text of the bill, specific details about its provisions, such as the agency's exact powers, responsibilities, or who it directly affects beyond those involved in apprenticeships, cannot be provided. The provided text is an amendment that deletes a section of the bill.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 544 amends the Arkansas Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act, primarily affecting Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) and pharmacies in Arkansas. The bill requires PBMs to provide pharmacies with specific network identification numbers to assist in contract negotiations and establishes clear notice requirements for "opt-out contracts." It prohibits PBMs from offering "take it or leave it" contract terms that violate state law and mandates Arkansas-specific compliance for national contracts. The legislation also grants the Insurance Commissioner expanded enforcement powers, including placing PBMs on probation or suspending specific networks for non-compliance.

Maddy summarySB 527 amends the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Act of 2021, impacting individuals enrolled in the program and participating health insurers. The bill changes the age for exemption from work requirements to over 59 years and clarifies compliance information for the Arkansas Medicaid Program. It establishes a process for suspending coverage for individuals who do not cooperate with work requirements, allowing them to regain active coverage if they demonstrate an intention to comply. Additionally, the bill reduces the required medical-loss ratio for health insurers in the program from 90% to 85%.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 535 creates a sales and use tax exemption specifically for the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation. This means that these two organizations will not be required to pay sales tax on their purchases of physical goods, digital products, or services. The bill amends existing state code to add this new exemption. This change aims to reduce the tax burden on the museum and its associated foundation.