Rep. Jimmy Gazaway

Maddy summarySenate Bill 555 amends Arkansas law regarding the offense of video voyeurism. The bill extends the statute of limitations, allowing prosecution for video voyeurism within one year after the victim discovers the offense. It clarifies that a romantic relationship with the victim is not a defense against a video voyeurism charge. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "domestic abuse" to include video voyeurism, enabling victims to seek orders of protection.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 544 amends the Arkansas Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act, primarily affecting Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) and pharmacies in Arkansas. The bill requires PBMs to provide pharmacies with specific network identification numbers to assist in contract negotiations and establishes clear notice requirements for "opt-out contracts." It prohibits PBMs from offering "take it or leave it" contract terms that violate state law and mandates Arkansas-specific compliance for national contracts. The legislation also grants the Insurance Commissioner expanded enforcement powers, including placing PBMs on probation or suspending specific networks for non-compliance.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 535 creates a sales and use tax exemption specifically for the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation. This means that these two organizations will not be required to pay sales tax on their purchases of physical goods, digital products, or services. The bill amends existing state code to add this new exemption. This change aims to reduce the tax burden on the museum and its associated foundation.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided information, the full text of SB 600 is not available, only an amendment. Therefore, a comprehensive summary of the bill's full content cannot be provided. However, based on its title, SB 600 aims to regulate contracts by mandating specific provisions for certain types of contracts and clarifying the appropriate legal jurisdiction for these agreements. The amendment shown only makes a minor change to the bill's text, specifying "unit in Arkansas" instead of just "unit." This bill has passed and is now Act 771.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1778 amends the existing law concerning the criminal offense of stalking. The bill expands the definition of stalking to include actions that place a person in fear of sexual acts. It also modifies the legal definition of "course of conduct" as it relates to stalking offenses. These changes adjust the legal framework for prosecuting and defining stalking.

Maddy summaryHB 1779 amends the current laws related to the theft of property. The bill specifically enhances the classification of the offense for stealing a postal package. This enhancement applies if the package has been delivered to a person's residence and is stolen from within the immediate area surrounding the home. It aims to impose stricter penalties for individuals who commit theft of packages from residential properties.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1680, now Act 811, restricts certain foreign entities from acquiring interests in land. It prohibits businesses controlled by a "foreign party" from leasing land. The bill also prevents "prohibited foreign parties" from holding an interest in real property or agricultural land under specific circumstances. An amendment clarifies that an individual is not considered a "prohibited foreign party" if they are also a citizen of the United States.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1681 establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program. This program provides grants to local entities to help fund improvements and upgrades to their water and sewer treatment infrastructure. The grants will be supported by revenues authorized by law. The program is set to expire five years after its effective date, and the administering commission is required to report annually on the status of all awarded grants.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1679 amends the Revised Arkansas Anatomical Gift Act. It allows certain individuals to revoke or modify an anatomical gift after the donor's death, specifically following the irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions. The bill also requires organ procurement organizations to submit certain reports. This legislation affects individuals who have made anatomical gift decisions and the organizations responsible for facilitating these gifts.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1875 amends existing law regarding the use of ignition interlock devices. Its primary purpose is to extend the mandatory period for which individuals, often those with certain driving offenses, are required to use these devices. An amendment to the bill clarifies a notification procedure for device removal and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026, for the act.