Rep. Trey Steimel

Maddy summaryHB 1525, now Act 923, generally aims to amend existing laws concerning real property and to address agricultural impact remediation agreements. While the full bill text is not provided, the specific amendment changes a provision from requiring "adequate" to "adequate proof of" something, likely related to these agreements or property matters. A more detailed summary of its specific provisions and who it directly affects cannot be provided without the full text of the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new system for property insurance for public schools, state-supported higher education institutions, and other state-owned properties. It creates the State Captive Insurance Program and the Office of Property Risk within the Department of Transformation and Shared Services to manage these combined insurance efforts. The act allows the state to create its own captive insurance company and prohibits the use of public adjusting for these property insurance claims. The goal is to create a more stable and sustainable property insurance system for these state entities by consolidating existing programs and ensuring proper property valuation. (SB 481, Act 779)

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1680, now Act 811, restricts certain foreign entities from acquiring interests in land. It prohibits businesses controlled by a "foreign party" from leasing land. The bill also prevents "prohibited foreign parties" from holding an interest in real property or agricultural land under specific circumstances. An amendment clarifies that an individual is not considered a "prohibited foreign party" if they are also a citizen of the United States.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1681 establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program. This program provides grants to local entities to help fund improvements and upgrades to their water and sewer treatment infrastructure. The grants will be supported by revenues authorized by law. The program is set to expire five years after its effective date, and the administering commission is required to report annually on the status of all awarded grants.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1679 amends the Revised Arkansas Anatomical Gift Act. It allows certain individuals to revoke or modify an anatomical gift after the donor's death, specifically following the irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions. The bill also requires organ procurement organizations to submit certain reports. This legislation affects individuals who have made anatomical gift decisions and the organizations responsible for facilitating these gifts.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1428 amends the law regarding public lodging establishments. The bill introduces a specific bed height requirement for mobility accessible rooms within these facilities. This measure directly affects hotels, motels, and similar lodging providers by mandating a standard for bed height in accessible accommodations. An amendment to the bill refined the precise language used to define this bed height requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 1308 would have regulated how residential contractors and tree service companies solicit work, specifically targeting unfair practices in home repair contracts. The bill aimed to protect homeowners by prohibiting deceptive tactics (like falsely claiming licenses or insurance) during solicitation and requiring clear written terms before work begins. It directly affected homeowners entering repair agreements and contractors seeking residential clients. The bill was withdrawn by its author in April 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1811 would have required property insurance policyholders to provide proof of deductible payment (such as canceled checks or receipts) before insurers could pay recoverable depreciation on claims. It directly affected homeowners and businesses filing property insurance claims, as well as property insurers handling those claims. The bill’s key provision would have allowed insurers to withhold recoverable depreciation payments until proof of deductible payment was received, and failure to pay deductibles would have been classified as a fraudulent insurance act. The bill was withdrawn on April 14, 2025, and is no longer active.

Maddy summaryThis House Memorial Resolution (HMR 1010) honors Attorney Roger Colbert, who passed away in February 2025, for his professional and community contributions. It specifically recognizes his legal work in Paragould and Greene County, leadership roles in the Greene-Clay Bar Association and Arkansas Bar Association, and service with organizations like the Community Foundation of Greene County. The resolution formally commemorates his legacy and directs that a copy be presented to his family. As a memorial resolution, it does not create any new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1821 creates a single State Captive Insurance Program to replace fragmented property insurance systems for public schools, state-supported colleges/universities, and state-owned properties in Arkansas. It combines these entities under one program, prohibits the use of public adjusting firms (which the bill states increased premiums), and requires independent reappraisals of higher education properties to ensure proper valuation. The bill also establishes the Office of Property Risk within the Department of Transformation and Shared Services to manage the program and mandates coordination among state agencies for a smooth transition. These changes aim to stabilize insurance costs and improve market competitiveness for these public entities.