Rep. Fran Cavenaugh

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 1004 (HJR 1004) proposes that the state formally requests the United States Congress to call a Convention of the States. The specific purpose of this convention would be to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment would establish term limits for members of the United States Congress, directly affecting those who serve in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1464 aimed to create a sales and use tax exemption for farmers and agricultural businesses in Arkansas. It sought to exempt the gross receipts or proceeds from the sale of parts used to modify, replace, or repair existing agricultural equipment and machinery. Additionally, the bill proposed to exempt services related to the installation, alteration, or repair of this equipment. "Agricultural equipment and machinery" was defined to include items like irrigation pipe and aviation machinery used directly in farming, but excluded timber production equipment, motor vehicles, or hand tools.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1989 proposed amendments to Arkansas law regarding used motor vehicle buyer protection and the dealer licensing process. The bill updated and added definitions for various terms, including "auto auction," "used motor vehicle dealer," "wholesale used motor vehicle dealer," "used motor vehicle salesperson," "convicted," and "retail used motor vehicle dealer." It also revised penalties for violations of used motor vehicle buyers' protection laws, making a third or subsequent offense a Class D felony with a three-year license suspension. This legislation aimed to clarify regulations for used motor vehicle sales and enhance consumer protection.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1438 proposes to create a new income tax credit for taxpayers in Arkansas who are 65 years of age or older. This credit would be equal to the amount of real property tax paid by the taxpayer on their primary residence, known as a homestead, during the tax year. The bill specifies that the credit would not include payments for delinquent property tax or associated penalties. If the credit amount exceeds the taxpayer's income tax liability, the remaining balance would be refunded. This measure would apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1519 aimed to allow the Secretary of the Department of Commerce to participate in the hiring and contracting of employees. This authority would extend to the State Insurance Department, State Bank Department, and State Securities Department. The bill's intent was to establish "shared services" to streamline administrative functions like human resources and procurement across these entities. The goal was to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and foster collaboration by pooling resources.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1750 proposes to eliminate the Arkansas Corporate Franchise Tax Act of 1979. This bill directly affects corporations operating in Arkansas by repealing the state's corporate franchise tax. If enacted, this would remove the requirement for these businesses to pay this specific tax. The bill also includes provisions for making conforming changes to other state laws to align with this repeal.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1045 aimed to establish new requirements for individuals conducting crop residue burns, primarily affecting farmers and agricultural operators. The bill would have mandated that all planned crop residue burns be reported to the Department of Agriculture before they commence. Additionally, it sought to address the liability for individuals who comply with these new burn requirements. Information submitted to the Department of Agriculture regarding these burns would have been exempt from public record laws.

Maddy summaryHJR 1015 was a proposed constitutional amendment in Arkansas that aimed to change how judicial candidates appear on the ballot. If approved, it would have required candidates for Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Judge, Circuit Judge, and District Judge to declare their political party affiliation or independent status. This declared affiliation or independent status would then be printed on the ballot for voters to see. The stated purpose of the amendment was to ensure transparency regarding judicial candidates' affiliations. This amendment would have taken effect on January 1, 2027, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1065, titled "TO CREATE THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT OF 2025," died in the House Committee on Revenue & Taxation on May 5, 2025, without becoming law. The provided bill text contains no substantive policy language or specific mechanisms; it only includes a list of supporting legislators and procedural details. No concrete policy changes, affected groups, or key provisions are described in the available text. As a bill that stalled in committee with no enacted provisions, it did not implement any inflation-related measures. The title appears to be a placeholder, as no actual inflation reduction policy was outlined in the submitted bill.

Maddy summaryHB 1435 aimed to modify state income tax laws concerning child care. The bill sought to amend the existing income tax credit available to employers who provide child care services. Additionally, it proposed to establish a new income tax credit specifically for licensed child care providers. These provisions were intended to adjust financial incentives for both businesses supporting child care and the providers themselves.