Rep. Robin Lundstrum

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phrases like "or the State of Qatar" or "from the State of Qatar" from 17 different sections of the code, correcting outdated or erroneous text.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 103 (now Act 425) creates the Pharmacy Nondiscrimination Act, requiring pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) to accept any pharmacy or pharmacist willing to meet "relevant and reasonable terms of participation." It directly affects independent pharmacies, pharmacists, and PBMs who contract with insurers. The law defines "reasonable terms" as those consistent with state/federal law, industry standards, and not arbitrarily excluding qualified providers. The bill was enacted quickly after being declared an emergency, becoming law on April 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1836 (2025) would require all Arkansas public entities (like city councils, school boards, and county commissions) to record public meetings in video format with sound and post the recordings online within 24 hours. It mandates recordings be kept for one year and accessible upon request, with exemptions for executive sessions, volunteer fire departments, and cities of the second class until July 1, 2020. The bill applies to all "open public meetings" but does not cover meetings held by entities without websites (which would need to use social media). The bill was filed on March 18, 2025, referred to committee, and withdrawn by the author on March 31, 2025, so it is no longer active.

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.

Maddy summarySB 424 requires municipal improvement district boards in Arkansas to allow public comment before decisions at meetings and hold quarterly meetings. Property owners within these districts must receive meeting notices 10-30 days in advance, including agendas, for all meetings. The law applies to all improvement districts in incorporated cities and towns statewide. It aims to increase transparency by mandating regular public communication and notice. This bill became Act 422 on March 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 409 prohibits financial services providers from refusing to do business with or terminating relationships with agricultural producers solely based on their status as such. It defines "agricultural producer" to include those growing crops, raising animals, or producing livestock/dairy products. The bill requires Arkansas' Treasurer to publish a list of financial providers found to discriminate against agricultural producers, after giving them 45 days' notice and a 30-day window to prove they are not discriminating. This list will be posted online, with the process involving an ESG Oversight Committee and requiring agricultural producers to consent to sharing financial data if they report discrimination.

Maddy summaryHB 1386 amends Arkansas property tax laws to change how real estate is valued for assessment. It replaces "square footage" with "assessed value" in calculations, prevents higher property values from counting disaster repairs using superior materials, and limits consideration of out-of-state commercial properties when comparable local options exist. These changes directly affect all Arkansas property owners and local assessors by altering how tax bills are calculated. The bill focuses on refining valuation methods under the state constitution, ensuring assessments reflect fair market value more accurately. It became law as Act 410 on March 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1652, now Act 393, changes rules for self-service storage facilities by making unsigned rental agreements legally enforceable and establishing a clear process for ending such agreements. It directly affects storage facility operators and renters who may have entered into verbal or incomplete written contracts. Key provisions require facilities to honor unsigned agreements (preventing disputes over missing signatures) and provide a standardized procedure for both parties to terminate agreements without lengthy legal steps. The law applies to all self-service storage facilities in the state and became effective after passing both legislative chambers and the Governor's office.

Maddy summaryHB 1609 increases penalties for human traffickers who recruit victims from high-risk locations. It mandates a 10-year prison sentence (up from standard penalties) if traffickers target individuals at facilities like youth shelters, correctional facilities, foster homes, childcare institutions, or juvenile detention centers. The bill directly affects traffickers who exploit vulnerable populations in these specific settings. It creates a clear legal mechanism to impose harsher sentences based on the victim’s location at the time of recruitment. The bill became law as Act 366 on March 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 1084 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives to honor Martha Jarrow, Director of Member Services, for her dedicated service to the House and state. The resolution recognizes her leadership in developing staff training programs, improving legislative communication, and fostering a collaborative workplace environment. Adopted on March 20, 2025, it formally acknowledges her contributions and will be presented to her by the House Chief Clerk.