Rep. Jessie McGruder

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 29, 2025, as Vietnam War Veterans Day and March 2025 as Vietnam Era Veterans Month in Arkansas. It formally recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of Vietnam War veterans through state-level ceremonial observance. The resolution does not create new laws, programs, or benefits - it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. It affects Arkansas residents by establishing official dates for state-level recognition of veterans' service.

Maddy summaryHB 1654 creates a special license plate for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid South, allowing Arkansas drivers to purchase it by paying a $30 design-use fee that goes directly to the foundation and a $10 administrative fee deposited into the state's fund. It also stops the issuance of new Mid-South Community College education license plates while permitting existing plates to be renewed until current inventory is exhausted. The bill establishes standard procedures for plate design, renewal, and fee remittance under Arkansas law. This affects plate buyers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Mid-South Community College through the plate program.

Maddy summaryHB 1633 modifies eligibility rules for students who transfer schools, removing academic standing requirements that previously barred them from participating in extracurricular activities like sports or clubs immediately after transferring. The bill directly affects transfer students in Arkansas public schools, ensuring they can join activities without waiting periods tied to prior academic performance. It declares an emergency to expedite the law's implementation, making the policy change effective immediately upon enactment. The bill became Act 475 on April 8, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 1861 would criminalize operating illegal online casinos or sports betting by classifying it as a felony. It proposes creating the "Interactive Gaming Act" to establish a regulatory framework for legal internet gaming, specifically including name, image, and likeness (NILL) games like fantasy sports and casino-style games. The bill also aims to regulate these activities under the new act while explicitly covering games already authorized under Arkansas' Scholarship Lottery Act. The bill declared an emergency to expedite its passage but was withdrawn by the author on April 7, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee for interim study.

Maddy summaryHB 1601 (now Act 354) requires all state-supported colleges and universities to provide career counseling and related resources to specific student groups. The law mandates institutions to develop and implement these services as part of their student support programs. It directly affects public higher education institutions and the students enrolled in them, particularly those needing career guidance. The bill focuses on making these resources a standard offering, without specifying exact student criteria or additional funding mechanisms. The measure passed both chambers and was signed into law on March 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives to formally commend Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., on its 118th anniversary. It recognizes the fraternity's history as the first intercollegiate Black Greek-letter organization, founded in 1906, and its community service across Arkansas and globally. The resolution specifically honors its leadership, academic focus, and contributions to civil rights and community programs. It does not create new laws or affect funding, but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summarySCR 4 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing former Arkansas State Representative and Senator Joyce Elliott during Black History Month for her legislative service. It honors her 23-year career in the Arkansas legislature (2000-2023), her focus on education policy, and her founding of the civic engagement nonprofit Get Loud Arkansas. The resolution has no binding effect - it simply acknowledges her contributions through a formal commendation presented to her. This is a procedural recognition, not a policy change, and was approved by both chambers and the Governor in March 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.

Maddy summaryHB 1319, which was withdrawn by its author on March 17, 2025, would have created a state sales tax exemption for disabled veterans, their unremarried spouses, and surviving spouses of disabled veterans in Arkansas. The bill would have allowed these individuals to exclude up to $5,000 annually in sales tax on tangible personal property and certain digital products purchased at physical stores within the state. To claim the exemption, veterans would have needed an identification card from the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, while surviving spouses would have required certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The exemption would not apply to local sales taxes or the compensating use tax.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 1028) formally recognizes National FFA Week (February 15-22, 2025) in Arkansas. It acknowledges the work of the National FFA Organization and Arkansas FFA Association - highlighting their 17,503 members and role in agricultural education - without creating new laws or funding. The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment, directing the House to send a copy to both FFA organizations. It has no policy impact beyond symbolic recognition.