Rep. Steve Unger

Maddy summaryHB 1410 prohibits public employees from giving advance notice of inspections to businesses or entities when the intent is to improperly influence the outcome. It specifically bans disclosing inspection timing, scope, or details to evade violations, provide unfair advantages, or interfere with inspection integrity. Public employees violating this face disciplinary action, including suspension or termination, though routine scheduling and public safety notifications remain allowed. The bill directly affects inspectors and enforcement staff, aiming to prevent conflicts of interest during government inspections.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 244, now Act 275) allows Arkansas district courts to postpone a judgment in certain misdemeanor traffic cases (excluding DUI) for up to one year, placing defendants on probation instead of immediately imposing a conviction. It directly affects eligible drivers charged with non-DUI traffic offenses, requiring them to comply with probation terms to avoid a final conviction. Key provisions include permitting case dismissal after successful probation completion, allowing judges to enter a conviction for probation violations, and excluding commercial drivers (except for parking/weight violations) and DUI cases from eligibility. The bill also clarifies that fines, fees, and restitution collected during the postponement period are distributed as if a conviction occurred.

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 summaryHB 1368 amends the list of musicians honored on Arkansas Music Appreciation Day by adding specific names to the official roster. The bill directly affects the state's commemorative designation for music professionals recognized annually. It is a procedural update to the existing holiday framework, not a policy change with broader implications. The bill became law as Act 203 on February 27, 2025, after passing both chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 1437 prohibits Level 3 or Level 4 sex offenders from entering water parks, swimming areas, or children's playgrounds within 100 feet of Arkansas State Parks or public parks. It directly affects individuals required to register under Arkansas' Sex Offender Registration Act who have been assessed as Level 3 or 4 offenders. The bill expands prior restrictions by adding swimming areas and playgrounds to the prohibited zones, with violations classified as Class D felonies. This law amends Arkansas Code § 5-14-134 to cover all public parks and state parks, not just local government-owned facilities.

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 summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution (HR 1033), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes the Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy during Arkansas' Career and Technical Education Month for its role in preparing students for military and first responder careers. The resolution has no binding effect - it simply expresses legislative support and directs a copy to the academy's leadership. It does not alter funding, create new requirements, or impact any policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1134 would adopt the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Compact in Arkansas, allowing APRNs (such as nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists) to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state. The bill establishes uniform licensure requirements and mutual recognition of APRN licenses among participating states, directly affecting APRNs seeking cross-state practice and healthcare systems hiring them. Key provisions include requiring APRNs to hold a license in their home state (Arkansas), adhering to the home state’s practice laws when treating patients in other states, and creating a coordinated system for sharing licensure and disciplinary information. This would eliminate redundant licensing processes and streamline access to APRN services in participating states.

Maddy summaryHB 1421 amends Arkansas law to require agencies hiring law enforcement officers trained by another agency to reimburse training costs, with the reimbursement amount decreasing over time: 100% if hired within 2 months, 80% for 2-6 months, 60% for 6-10 months, 40% for 10-14 months, and 20% for 14-18 months. It expands eligibility to include any law enforcement agency recognized by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training, as well as private communities over 5,000 population that employ certified officers. If an agency fails to reimburse, the Treasurer of State will withhold the amount from the agency’s funds and pay the training agency. This policy affects county, city, town, state, and private law enforcement agencies across Arkansas.

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.