Rep. Wayne Long

Maddy summaryThis bill adds nitrogen gas as an additional method of execution for individuals sentenced to death in Arkansas, alongside the existing lethal injection option. It requires prison officials to notify death row inmates of the chosen execution method (nitrogen gas or lethal injection) at least seven days in advance. The bill also includes confidentiality provisions preventing public disclosure of execution protocols, drug sources, and personnel involved under Arkansas' public records laws. This change applies to all future capital punishment cases in Arkansas, following its passage into law as Act 302.

Maddy summaryHB 1447 exempts septic system installers licensed under Arkansas' Sewage Disposal Systems Act from needing a separate plumber's license. This directly affects licensed septic installers by removing a redundant licensing requirement. The bill eliminates overlapping regulations without changing other licensing standards or creating new obligations. It became Act 255 on March 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1564 modifies permit requirements for new motor vehicle racing facilities in rural Arkansas, specifically those located more than one mile from incorporated cities. The bill sets a 75-decibel noise limit at property lines, requires $1 million in liability insurance, mandates public hearings with 30-day notice, and establishes quiet hours from 9 PM to 6 AM. It prohibits such facilities within one mile of city boundaries and imposes daily fines of $1,000 for violations. The bill was introduced in February 2025 but was withdrawn by its author on March 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives expressing support for President Trump's nomination of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel. It has no legal effect but urges swift confirmation to strengthen U.S.-Israel relations, citing Huckabee's experience, pro-Israel advocacy, and religious ties. The resolution was adopted unanimously and transmitted to the President and Senate for consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 (now Act 238) amends Arkansas criminal law to establish a new offense for "unlawful squattering." The bill makes it a criminal violation for a person to occupy property without the owner's permission, specifically targeting individuals who enter or remain on property after being asked to leave. This directly affects individuals occupying vacant or abandoned properties without legal right, such as vacant homes or land. The key provision creates a specific criminal charge (likely a misdemeanor) for this conduct, distinct from general trespass laws, and specifies that the offense applies after the owner or their agent has issued a verbal or written demand to vacate.

Maddy summaryHB 1121 repeals a law that allowed the transfer of tax-forfeited lands (properties where taxes were unpaid and seized by the government) to state institutions like universities or hospitals. It removes the legal mechanism for these land transfers, meaning state institutions can no longer receive such properties through this specific process. The bill directly affects state institutions that previously had access to tax-forfeited lands under the repealed law. This repeal became effective as Act 211 on February 27, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) recognizing homeschooling in Arkansas. It designates February 26, 2025, as "Homeschool Day" at the Arkansas State Capitol to honor the contributions of homeschooling families, citing that over 30,000 students were homeschooled in Arkansas during the 2023-2024 school year. The resolution highlights benefits like flexibility, customization for special needs, and family-focused learning, but it does not change any education policies or create new programs. It was adopted by the Arkansas House of Representatives on February 26, 2025, as a symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryHB 1048 (now Act 125) allows small-scale dairy farmers to sell unpasteurized goat, sheep, and whole milk directly to consumers beyond just on their farm. The law clarifies that incidental sales - such as at farmer's markets or via farm delivery - no longer require the milk to be sold solely on the premises where it's produced. This directly affects farmers who produce raw milk and consumers who purchase it, removing previous restrictions on sales locations. The bill also permits advertising these sales, making the process more flexible for small producers. The change became effective February 20, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 1278 requires surveyors to notify the owner and follow all visitor protocols - including biosecurity measures - before entering a commercial poultry farm for surveying purposes. It specifically applies to farms with poultry houses exceeding 5,000 square feet, directly affecting surveyors working near such facilities and poultry farm owners. The bill mandates these steps to protect farm biosecurity without creating new protocols, only requiring surveyors to comply with existing farm rules. This law, now Act 99, aims to prevent potential contamination risks during survey activities.

Maddy summaryThis Arkansas bill (SB 133, now Act 50) amends state commercial law to define "central bank digital currency" (CBDC) and clarify its exclusion from key financial terms. It adds a specific definition for CBDC as digital currency issued directly by central banks (like the Federal Reserve) or governments, and explicitly states CBDC is not considered "money" or a "deposit account" under the Uniform Commercial Code. These changes ensure CBDC is treated separately from traditional currency and bank deposits in commercial transactions. The bill directly affects how Arkansas financial institutions and legal systems categorize digital currencies issued by government entities.