Rep. Aaron Pilkington

Maddy summaryHB 1373 would require Arkansas' Department of Commerce to encourage at least 5% of workforce development funding - allocated through state boards - to support new businesses (starting in Arkansas) or businesses operating less than five years. This policy change would directly affect small businesses and startups seeking workforce training resources. The bill, which was introduced in 2025 but withdrawn by its author on February 11, 2025, does not create new funding but redirects existing resources. It was intended to take effect January 1, 2027, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1372 requires Arkansas' Economic Development Commission to direct at least 5% of its economic development funding - such as community development block grants - toward supporting new businesses or businesses established within the past five years. It specifically targets startups and businesses based in Arkansas, directing funds to programs that assist new business owners or services aiding businesses under five years old. The bill mandates this allocation for all eligible economic development programs, effective January 1, 2027. This policy change directly shifts funding priorities to support newer businesses through existing state economic development mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1376 would have required Arkansas state agencies to award at least 5% of their contracts to businesses operating in Arkansas for less than five years with their principal office in the state. This bill aimed to support newer Arkansas businesses by creating a mandatory procurement target for state contracts. The bill was introduced on February 3, 2025, and referred to committee, but was withdrawn by its author on February 11, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1374 requires Arkansas' Economic Development Commission to submit an annual report by January 1 each year. The report must detail state contracts awarded to newly established businesses (operating less than five years), including total numbers, dollar amounts, and demographic/ geographic breakdowns. It also mandates recommendations to improve access to state contracts for these businesses, particularly in underrepresented groups or regions. The report is submitted to the Governor and the House/Senate Commerce Committees.

Maddy summaryHB 1375 requires Arkansas' Department of Commerce to annually report how workforce development funds support new businesses or businesses established within the past five years. The report must include both the percentage and total dollar amount of these funds, specifically for individuals starting businesses or services targeting young businesses with Arkansas headquarters. The first report is due January 1, 2027, and will be submitted to the Governor and the House/Senate Commerce committees. This bill creates a transparency measure for existing funding allocation, without changing funding levels or eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 1204 (now Act 28) amends Arkansas law to clarify that plaintiffs in medical negligence cases can only recover the actual costs they paid for necessary medical care, treatment, or services - or costs legally owed by them or a third party. It directly affects individuals filing medical malpractice claims and healthcare providers by limiting recoverable damages to amounts actually paid or legally responsible. The key provision changes the standard for medical cost recovery from billed rates to verified payments, preventing recovery of unpaid or inflated charges. This law, enacted on February 11, 2025, provides a clearer financial framework for medical negligence claims in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryHB 1046 establishes a "Blue Envelope Program" to improve communication between law enforcement and drivers with autism spectrum disorder during traffic stops. The bill requires Arkansas' Department of Finance and Administration to create a special blue envelope (available by January 1, 2026) that holds essential documents like driver's licenses and vehicle registration, plus exterior communication guidelines for officers. Individuals with autism can request the envelope at local department offices starting in 2026. The program directly affects drivers with autism during motor vehicle interactions and aims to provide clear, standardized support for law enforcement. It does not change existing laws but creates a new administrative resource.

Maddy summaryHR 1013 is a symbolic resolution designating January 23, 2025, as Maternal Health Awareness Day in Arkansas. It recognizes the state's efforts to address maternal health challenges, such as the high number of pregnant women delaying prenatal care until after the first trimester or until labor begins. The resolution aligns with a national observance to promote awareness and support for ongoing initiatives like pilot programs in underserved counties and expanded maternal health education. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of Arkansas' commitment to improving maternal health outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally recognizes the Clarksville High School Panthers as the 2024 Class 4A Boys Soccer State Champions. It highlights their victory over the Dardanelle High School Sand Lizards, which occurred on May 17, 2024, and notes key players and the coaching staff involved. The resolution directs the House Chief Clerk to provide a copy of the document to the team's coach, Bryan Qualls, as a record of the state's acknowledgment.