Rep. Fran Cavenaugh

Maddy summaryHB 1001 reduces income tax rates for Arkansas residents, including individuals, trusts, estates, and both domestic and foreign corporations. For individuals, the bill establishes a progressive tax structure with rates ranging from 0% to 3.7% for income up to $94,700, while providing a specific tax credit for income between $94,701 and $97,600. Corporations see their tax brackets adjusted starting in 2027, with rates increasing from 1% to 4.1% on net income exceeding $11,000. The legislation also includes provisions for annual adjustments to the individual tax tables to account for inflation or other economic factors.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Arkansas homestead property tax credit for property owners, raising the annual reduction in real property taxes from $600 to $675. The change applies to assessment years starting on or after January 1, 2026, directly benefiting homeowners who qualify for the credit. By amending the state code, the legislation provides a slightly larger tax relief amount for eligible residents without altering other tax provisions.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1534 proposes to increase the existing homestead property tax credit. This bill directly affects homeowners by reducing the amount of property taxes they owe on their primary residence. The key mechanism is an adjustment to the credit amount, providing a larger tax reduction for eligible households.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 268 proposed to transfer general revenue funds from the state into the Aging and Adult Services Fund Account. These funds were specifically designated to be used for food services benefiting elderly individuals. The bill aimed to provide additional financial resources for programs that feed the elderly and also included an emergency clause.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 386 proposes to repeal an existing law that requires the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration to submit a specific report. Currently, the Secretary monitors changes in federal income tax laws and regulations to determine their impact on Arkansas income tax law. The Secretary is mandated to report these findings annually to the House and Senate Committees on Revenue and Taxation. If enacted, SB 386 would remove this duty, meaning the Secretary would no longer be required to produce or submit this annual report to the legislative committees.

Maddy summaryHB 1180, also known as the "Baby Olivia Act," mandates specific video content for human fetal growth and development discussions. These discussions must include a high-definition ultrasound video showing early fetal organ development. Additionally, a video at least three minutes long depicting fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus until birth is required. The bill tasks the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education with approving a list of these videos, specifically mentioning the "Meet Baby Olivia" video. This legislation would affect the content of educational discussions on fetal development and the responsibilities of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 204 proposes to exempt certain financial gains from state gross income for tax purposes. This exemption would apply to taxpayers whose property is acquired by a government or entity under the right of eminent domain or the threat of condemnation. Essentially, any profit a property owner makes from such a forced sale would not be considered taxable income under this bill.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 373, as amended, aimed to revise the structure and composition of the Arkansas Financial Education Commission. The bill specified new requirements for certain appointments to the commission. Specifically, it mandated that among three members appointed by the Treasurer of State, one must be female and one a racial minority. It also added a new position for one member to be designated by the Secretary of State.

Maddy summaryHJR 1007 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a process for recalling elected officials in Arkansas. This amendment would allow qualified electors to petition for the recall of a wide range of officials, including the Governor, state legislators, judges, and various county and local officeholders. To initiate a recall, a notice of intent must be filed, followed by a recall petition. The petition requires signatures from at least 25% of the votes cast for Governor in the last election within the relevant jurisdiction, with specific county distribution requirements for statewide recalls. The Secretary of State or Attorney General would then determine the petition's sufficiency.

Maddy summaryHB 1193 aimed to require insurance companies to include a lienholder's name on payments made under an insurance policy. This would primarily affect policyholders whose insured property, such as a motor vehicle, has an outstanding lien. However, the bill included exceptions, stating that the requirement would not apply to lienholders without a physical location in the state. For in-state lienholders, it would not apply if the motor vehicle damage claim was less than $2,500 or if the payment was made directly to a repair facility.