Rep. Stetson Painter

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.

Maddy summarySB 68 allows veterinary technicians, technologists, and specialists in Arkansas to provide emergency animal care at locations other than their supervising veterinarian's office, based on an emergency call. The bill amends licensing rules to permit supervising veterinarians to authorize these professionals to travel to a patient's location during emergencies while maintaining the vet's ultimate control over animal care. This change directly affects veterinary support staff who previously required the supervising vet to be physically present at the care location. The law modifies supervision requirements to enable faster emergency response without altering the veterinarian's responsibility for reviewing all medical records.

Maddy summarySB 61 authorizes licensed veterinarians in Arkansas to provide telemedicine services (via phone or video) for pet and livestock care, directly affecting pet owners and veterinary practices. It defines "small animals" (e.g., cats, dogs) and "large animals" (e.g., cattle), requiring veterinarians to establish a client relationship within 7 days for small animals or 21 days for large animals after emergency telemedicine consultations. The bill sets standards for remote care, including prohibitions on using telemedicine for emergency referrals without later formalizing the relationship. This law, enacted as Act 18 on February 6, 2025, creates a clear regulatory framework for veterinary telemedicine in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryHB 1006 redesignates Arkansas' Fourteenth Judicial District as a "Division A" district specifically for prosecuting attorneys. This change requires the district's prosecuting attorney to work full-time instead of part-time, addressing a burdensome caseload. The bill includes an emergency clause stating immediate action is necessary for efficient justice administration. It directly affects the Fourteenth Judicial District's prosecuting attorney position and became effective upon the governor's approval as Act 15 on February 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1015) is a ceremonial recognition of the Mountain Home High School boys' cross country team for winning the Class 5A state championship on November 7, 2024. It formally congratulates the team and provides a copy of the resolution to their coaches (Wil Norris, Tilda Helgesson, and Roddy Patrick) upon adoption. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely honors a sports achievement without creating new laws or allocating funds.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. It formally honors the Mountain Home Bombers boys' tennis team for winning the Class 5A state championship in October 2024, specifically recognizing players Pierce Blackmon and Finley Chafin (doubles champions) and head coach Skyler King. The resolution was adopted by the Arkansas House of Representatives, directing the Chief Clerk to provide a copy to Coach King. It has no legal effect or policy changes beyond symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing Lorie Tudor for her 41-year career with the Arkansas Department of Transportation. It formally acknowledges her service to the state but contains no policy changes or funding provisions. The resolution has no direct impact on citizens, laws, or government operations - it serves only as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. No voting record is relevant, as it does not advance legislation.