Rep. Robin Lundstrum

Maddy summaryHB 1713, now Act 602, requires ballot titles for citizen-initiated measures to be written at or below a specific grade-level reading standard. This law directly affects voters and initiative proponents by mandating that ballot titles use simple, accessible language to improve public understanding. The key mechanism sets a standardized readability threshold (using a "Grade Level formula" per the amended bill) for all such titles. The bill was passed quickly with an emergency declaration and is now law, aiming to make ballot measures clearer for all voters.

Maddy summarySB 448 authorizes local governments in Arkansas to create financing districts that enable property owners to fund energy efficiency, renewable energy, building resilience, and water conservation improvements through special property assessments. These assessments are added to property tax bills or collected privately by third parties, remain tied to the property (not the owner), and do not use public tax revenue or require government repayment. The program applies to commercial, mixed-use, and multifamily residential properties, with financing structured as a non-governmental obligation. This legislation establishes a formal process for local districts to administer such financing under Arkansas law.

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 1639 adjusts funding for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill reduces the appropriation from $1,300,000 to $950,780 and changes the fund source to a cash deposit in the State Treasury. This funding directly supports the SANE program, which provides specialized medical care and forensic evidence collection for sexual assault survivors. The bill modifies budget allocations without changing program requirements or eligibility. It became Act 549 on April 10, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 320 amends multiple Arkansas statutes to update references to the Arkansas Juvenile Code of 1989, specifically citing sections §9-27-301 et seq. and §9-35-101 et seq. The bill clarifies how the juvenile code applies to cases involving underage alcohol possession, custody transfers, and juvenile delinquency proceedings. It ensures consistent legal references across statutes without changing substantive law. This affects juvenile courts, law enforcement, and child welfare agencies when handling cases under the juvenile code.

Maddy summarySB 257 extends the appeal period for healthcare providers who have Medicaid payments denied under Arkansas' Medicaid program. It requires the state to provide comprehensive, clear explanations in written notices when denying payments, moving beyond vague statements. This directly affects hospitals, clinics, and other providers who rely on Medicaid reimbursements. The bill amends existing Medicaid rules to make the appeals process more transparent and timely for these providers. It became law as Act 515 on April 10, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 332 is a funding bill that allocates state funds for the existing Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program within Arkansas' Department of Education for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It specifically appropriates money for this program in public schools, without changing the program's content or requirements. The bill was passed by the legislature and signed into law as Act 536 on April 10, 2025. This is a procedural funding measure for an established educational program, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 104, now Act 514) amends Arkansas' rules for pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) - companies that negotiate drug prices for health insurance plans. It requires PBMs to follow the actual terms of a patient's underlying health plan when making coverage decisions, preventing them from imposing extra restrictions not in the plan document. The law gives Arkansas' Insurance Commissioner authority to enforce this rule and penalize PBMs that operate outside the plan's terms. This directly protects patients by ensuring they can access medications as defined by their health plan, not by PBM policies. The bill was enacted urgently with an emergency clause on April 7, 2025.

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 summaryHB 1474 requires certain businesses to display the national human trafficking hotline number (1-888-373-7888) in visible locations. It applies directly to hotels, airports, and liquor-permitted clubs that do not operate as food service establishments. The law mandates that these venues display the hotline information alongside details about services like showers, fuel, and parking. This became law as Act 484 on April 8, 2025, with no changes to trafficking prevention laws - only adding signage requirements for specified businesses.