Rep. Bart Schulz

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 1875 amends existing law regarding the use of ignition interlock devices. Its primary purpose is to extend the mandatory period for which individuals, often those with certain driving offenses, are required to use these devices. An amendment to the bill clarifies a notification procedure for device removal and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026, for the act.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1589 updates and clarifies laws governing the financial operations of counties in Arkansas, directly affecting county treasurers, clerks, and comptrollers. It amends the duties of county treasurers, specifying how they receive and disburse funds and requiring them to refuse payments that would create a deficit in county accounts. The bill also revises the requirements for the annual county financial report, detailing its content, compilation responsibilities, and publication methods. These changes aim to standardize and modernize county financial reporting and management procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1745, now Act 604, requires commercial drivers in Arkansas to possess valid U.S. work authorization (such as a work visa or Employment Authorization Document) and demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to read traffic signs, converse with the public, respond to officials, and complete vehicle records. It directly affects commercial motor vehicle operators in Arkansas who must meet these requirements to legally drive. Violations carry fines up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses. The law creates specific offenses for operating without required work authorization or English proficiency.

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 1303 (now Act 546) creates a state income tax credit for businesses producing sustainable aviation fuel in Arkansas. The credit allows eligible producers to reduce their state income tax liability by up to the full amount of tax they owe in a given year. It directly affects aviation fuel producers who meet the bill's sustainability criteria, providing financial incentive to develop and use cleaner fuel alternatives. The law, enacted April 10, 2025, establishes this credit as part of Arkansas' efforts to support sustainable energy infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a law. It declares April 9, 2025, as "Arkansas Lineworker Appreciation Day" at the State Capitol to honor utility lineworkers. The resolution commends these workers for their year-round service maintaining critical energy infrastructure, working in dangerous conditions, and serving as first responders during emergencies. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - only formally recognizes their contributions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) honoring University of Arkansas women's basketball player Izzy Higginbottom. It recognizes her athletic achievements during the 2024-2025 season, specifically her status as the Southeastern Conference scoring leader (24.4 points per game), third in the nation, and her record-setting performance including 780 total points and 242 made free throws. The resolution expresses the Arkansas House of Representatives' admiration for her accomplishments that "bring renown to her team and to the State of Arkansas." It does not create new policies or affect any laws.

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 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.