Rep. Denise Garner

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1029 aimed to establish specific reimbursement rates within the Arkansas Medicaid program for services related to mental health and addiction. This bill would have directly affected healthcare providers offering these services and individuals receiving them through Medicaid.

Maddy summaryHB 1030 aims to enhance mental health support for students by requiring specific training for school personnel. The bill mandates that School Resource Officers (SROs) and other law enforcement working in schools obtain certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid. It also requires school counselors to receive Youth Mental Health First Aid training. An adopted amendment specifies that the requirement for SROs will be integrated into their existing continuing education hours.

Maddy summaryHB 1019, titled the Affordable Childcare Act of 2025, proposes changes to state income tax credits related to employer-provided childcare. The bill establishes a new income tax credit for businesses that help their employees with childcare costs. It also replaces the existing income tax credit previously available to employers who operate their own childcare facilities. These provisions aim to incentivize employers to support their employees' childcare needs.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1027, titled the "Brighter Start Act of 2025," aimed to provide financial support for college savings. The bill would have required the Treasurer of State to make a one-time contribution to all existing and future Arkansas Brighter Future Fund Plan Accounts. This mechanism was intended to provide a direct financial boost to individuals saving for future education expenses through these state-sponsored accounts.

Maddy summaryHB 1025, titled "The Teacher Fair Dismissal Act of 2025," proposes new rules for school districts when dismissing teachers. It would require districts to follow specific due process steps before terminating a teacher, including written notice, a hearing, and documented reasons for dismissal. The bill directly affects public school teachers and school districts in the state. However, the bill died in committee on May 5, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1539 proposes to amend the Public School Funding Act of 2003 in Arkansas. The bill aims to increase per-student foundation funding for public schools, as well as specific funding for alternative learning environment students and English learners for the 2025-2027 school years. A key provision is the creation of a new, dedicated categorical funding stream for special education, ensuring these funds are specifically allocated and spent on special education services. This change intends to address the underfunding of special education by allocating funds based on the number of students with special needs.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1036 proposed changes to voter registration laws in Arkansas. The bill aimed to allow individuals to register to vote during the early voting period and also on Election Day itself. This would have directly affected potential voters by providing additional opportunities to register closer to an election. Additionally, the bill sought to amend specific provisions within Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51, which governs election procedures.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1999 would require the Secretary of the Department of Education to provide information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to certain students. Specifically, students who submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a negative or zero student aid index would receive written and electronic details. This information would cover their potential eligibility for SNAP, the application process, and how to contact the Department of Human Services. The Department of Education would consult with the Department of Human Services to create these communications.

Maddy summaryBased on the title, HB 1023 aimed to modify the State Teacher Education Program. It sought to change the eligibility requirements for loan forgiveness and adjust the loan repayment amounts within that program. The provided text is an amendment adding sponsors, and the specific details of these proposed changes are not available in this context.

Maddy summaryHB 1699 proposed to expand the state's existing sales tax holiday. If enacted, it would have allowed consumers to purchase firearm safety devices and firearm storage devices without paying sales tax during the designated holiday period. This measure aimed to make these specific items, intended for secure firearm storage, temporarily more affordable for individuals.