Rep. Stetson Painter

Maddy summaryHB 1503 prohibits local governments from imposing certain restrictions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), such as secondary housing units on residential property. The bill specifically blocks municipalities from banning ADUs entirely or setting fees exceeding $250 for their approval. It also invalidates local rules conflicting with this provision and requires water/sewer system approvals or health department clearance for ADU construction. This law directly affects homeowners, developers, and city planners by expanding opportunities to build small secondary homes on existing residential lots.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds nitrogen gas as an additional method of execution for individuals sentenced to death in Arkansas, alongside the existing lethal injection option. It requires prison officials to notify death row inmates of the chosen execution method (nitrogen gas or lethal injection) at least seven days in advance. The bill also includes confidentiality provisions preventing public disclosure of execution protocols, drug sources, and personnel involved under Arkansas' public records laws. This change applies to all future capital punishment cases in Arkansas, following its passage into law as Act 302.

Maddy summaryHCR 1007 is a concurrent resolution urging Congress to reevaluate Medicare reimbursement rates for Arkansas healthcare providers. It specifically requests that Congress adjust the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule locality structure to create separate reimbursement categories for the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers (CBSA 22220) and Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway (CBSA 30780) metropolitan areas, which currently share a single locality code (Locality 13) despite higher operational costs. The resolution argues that current reimbursement rates fail to reflect actual practice costs in these urban areas, disproportionately impacting providers and limiting patient access to care. Arkansas lawmakers note the state ranks third-worst nationally for Medicare locality reimbursement, urging Congress to correct this to ensure fair compensation aligned with regional economic realities. (Note: This is a non-binding resolution, not a law, intended to encourage federal action.)

Maddy summaryHB 1514 updates Arkansas' definition of "critical-need employee" under the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act. It expands the list of state agencies requiring 24/7, 7-day staffing to include the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Military, adding these to the existing seven agencies. This change directly affects state employees in designated positions at these nine agencies who must be available around the clock. The bill, now Act 253 after passing both legislative chambers and reaching the Governor, modifies eligibility for specific leave and attendance policies without altering the core policy structure.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing the Mountain Home High School boys' indoor track team as the 2025 Class 5A state champions. It formally congratulates the team and their coaches for winning Arkansas' Class 5A indoor track title on February 22, 2025, highlighting specific athlete achievements and coach quotes. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply honors the team's accomplishment. A copy will be presented to head coach Noah Chagnon upon adoption.

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 1450 repeals multiple existing annual reporting requirements for Arkansas' Department of Agriculture. It eliminates mandated reports from the State Plant Board, farm-to-school program coordinator, Buffalo River Conservation Committee, and State Meat Inspection Program. The bill also removes a requirement for the Department to submit separate annual reports on agricultural promotion boards (like catfish, soybean, and rice boards). The only change is amending one section to require the Department to include information from all its administered entities in its annual report to the Governor. This bill streamlines reporting by removing redundant obligations.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 1028) formally recognizes National FFA Week (February 15-22, 2025) in Arkansas. It acknowledges the work of the National FFA Organization and Arkansas FFA Association - highlighting their 17,503 members and role in agricultural education - without creating new laws or funding. The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment, directing the House to send a copy to both FFA organizations. It has no policy impact beyond symbolic recognition.

Maddy summarySB 59 requires all public schools to provide one free breakfast daily to every student upon request, without checking if they qualify for federally funded free or reduced-price meals. This policy directly affects all public school students in the state, eliminating eligibility barriers for breakfast access. The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon enactment. It changes school meal procedures by mandating universal breakfast availability as a standard practice, not tied to existing federal program eligibility. The bill became law as Act 123 on February 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 45 creates a new Women Veterans special license plate option for vehicle owners who are women veterans. It simultaneously repeals the existing Pearl Harbor Survivor license plate program. The bill directly affects eligible women veterans who can choose this plate, and modifies the state's license plate offerings. This is a procedural change to license plate designations with no additional funding or requirements. The bill passed on February 11, 2025, and became Act 51.