Rep. Fran Cavenaugh

Maddy summarySB 383 repeals the requirement for designated investor groups under Arkansas' Venture Capital Investment Act of 2001 to submit an annual report to the Governor, relevant legislative committees, and the Arkansas Development Finance Authority. This bill directly affects the designated investor groups that previously had to document their activities, provide audit details, report investment progress, and track tax credit usage. The key mechanism is removing all reporting obligations outlined in Arkansas Code § 15-5-1408, simplifying administrative requirements without altering venture capital investment rules or tax credits.

Maddy summarySB 379 repeals Arkansas Code § 26-18-902(c), which required the Tax Advisory Council to submit an annual report to the chairs of the House and Senate Revenue and Taxation committees. This bill directly affects the Tax Advisory Council by eliminating its mandatory reporting obligation. The key mechanism is the removal of the specific statutory requirement for the council to produce the report. The bill does not create new policies or impact other entities; it solely modifies a procedural requirement. The repeal became effective when Governor signed it as Act 464 on April 7, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 378 repeals a requirement that the Arkansas Economic Development Commission submit quarterly reports on the Arkansas Industry Training Program's activities. The bill removes the mandate for the Commission to prepare and submit these reports to the Governor, Legislative Council, or Joint Budget Committee. This change affects only the Commission's administrative reporting duties, not the program's operations or participants. The bill does not alter the training program's purpose or eligibility. (This is a procedural change with no direct impact on program beneficiaries or funding.)

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1386 amends Arkansas property tax laws to change how real estate is valued for assessment. It replaces "square footage" with "assessed value" in calculations, prevents higher property values from counting disaster repairs using superior materials, and limits consideration of out-of-state commercial properties when comparable local options exist. These changes directly affect all Arkansas property owners and local assessors by altering how tax bills are calculated. The bill focuses on refining valuation methods under the state constitution, ensuring assessments reflect fair market value more accurately. It became law as Act 410 on March 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1275 prohibits health insurance companies from requiring prior approval for mental health crisis care. It directly affects patients experiencing mental health emergencies and healthcare providers treating them in crisis settings. The law removes the need for insurance pre-approvals when services are provided at crisis stabilization units or in emergency department settings. This means patients can access immediate care without delays caused by insurance authorization processes. The bill became law as Act 389 on March 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1609 increases penalties for human traffickers who recruit victims from high-risk locations. It mandates a 10-year prison sentence (up from standard penalties) if traffickers target individuals at facilities like youth shelters, correctional facilities, foster homes, childcare institutions, or juvenile detention centers. The bill directly affects traffickers who exploit vulnerable populations in these specific settings. It creates a clear legal mechanism to impose harsher sentences based on the victim’s location at the time of recruitment. The bill became law as Act 366 on March 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 1084 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives to honor Martha Jarrow, Director of Member Services, for her dedicated service to the House and state. The resolution recognizes her leadership in developing staff training programs, improving legislative communication, and fostering a collaborative workplace environment. Adopted on March 20, 2025, it formally acknowledges her contributions and will be presented to her by the House Chief Clerk.

Maddy summarySB 317 prohibits Arkansas public institutions of higher education from engaging in specific activities with "prohibited foreign parties." It directly affects universities and colleges receiving state funding by banning them from conducting agricultural research under contract or selling agricultural products (including seeds) with such entities. The bill defines "prohibited foreign parties" but does not specify which entities qualify. This policy change restricts certain financial and research transactions between Arkansas colleges and designated foreign entities, without altering broader academic collaboration rules. The bill passed as Act 351 on March 20, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 263 (now Act 330) increases the amount of the homestead property tax credit available to Arkansas homeowners. This policy change directly benefits qualifying homeowners who own and occupy their primary residence, reducing their annual property tax bill. The bill amends the existing tax credit structure to provide a higher dollar amount for eligible taxpayers. It became law after passing the Arkansas legislature and being delivered to the Governor on March 13, 2025. The change represents a concrete adjustment to tax relief for qualified homeowners without altering eligibility requirements.