Rep. Lee Johnson

Maddy summaryHB 1257 removes a restriction preventing psychologists from employing technicians to perform neuropsychology services. It changes reimbursement rules so psychologists, not technicians, receive payment for services provided by these technicians. The bill directly affects psychologists and their psychology technicians in Arkansas by allowing technicians to support neuropsychology work under a psychologist’s supervision. This policy change streamlines employment and billing for these roles without altering licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1254 allows licensed psychologists (psychological practitioners) to practice independently in Arkansas without supervision. It removes the existing independent practice rights previously held by psychological examiners. The bill changes licensing regulations to distinguish between these two professional groups, granting full independent practice authority to psychologists while restricting psychological examiners to supervised roles. The bill passed the legislature and became Act 433 in April 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1167 modifies signature authority for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs), allowing them to sign certain medical documents that previously required a physician's signature. It also clarifies that durable medical equipment (DME) covers diabetic shoes and shoe inserts, ensuring these items are included in insurance coverage. The bill directly affects healthcare providers (APRNs, PAs) and diabetic patients who rely on covered DME. These changes streamline care coordination and improve access to essential foot care equipment. The bill became law as Act 431 on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1457 would have required Arkansas public school districts and charter schools to submit data about students' individualized education programs (IEPs) using a new uniform statewide system managed by the state education division. This bill aimed to standardize how schools report IEP-related information, directly affecting schools serving students with special education needs. The bill was filed in February 2025 but withdrawn by its author on April 1, 2025, and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 1297 was an amendment to clarify which healthcare insurance plans are subject to existing regulations. It defined "health benefit plan" to explicitly include indemnity and managed care plans while removing specific plan types (like disease-specific or long-term-care-only plans) from the definition. The bill did not create new AI or algorithm regulations despite its title - it only adjusted technical definitions for insurance oversight. The amendment was adopted but the bill was withdrawn by the author on April 1, 2025, before further action. This was a procedural change to insurance plan definitions, not a substantive policy on AI.

Maddy summaryHR 1088 is a symbolic House Resolution recognizing March 19, 2025, as "rootEd Day" in Arkansas. It honors the work of rootEd Advisors - college and career counselors placed in rural high schools through partnerships between the Arkansas Department of Education, Heartland Forward, and the rootEd Alliance. The resolution celebrates their role in supporting student success, increasing college enrollment, and expanding workforce opportunities in underserved communities. This is a ceremonial recognition with no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 111 establishes the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, enabling dentists and dental hygienists to practice across participating states with a single license. The bill directly affects dental professionals seeking to work in multiple states by creating a standardized licensing framework. Key provisions include Arkansas delegating its authority to reject compact rules to the state General Assembly or Legislative Council, rather than retaining that power internally. This change streamlines interstate practice for dental professionals while maintaining state-level oversight of compact rules. The bill passed in March 2025 and became Act 395.

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 1414 updates the schedule of equipment rates used by fire departments when submitting claims for reimbursement. It directly affects fire departments and state agencies processing these claims by adjusting the standardized rates for equipment costs. The bill modifies administrative procedures for claim submissions but does not change eligibility for services or coverage. As a procedural update to existing billing rates, it became law as Act 417 on March 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1505 requires public employers in Arkansas to provide coverage for licensed counseling services to public safety employees (such as police, firefighters, and emergency responders) who experience a traumatic event while on duty. This bill directly affects public safety workers by mandating employer-provided mental health support following traumatic incidents. It renews a requirement that expired under previous law (Acts 2023, No. 537) and declares an emergency to ensure immediate implementation upon the governor’s approval. The law aims to support public safety employees’ mental health, which the legislature states is essential for maintaining public safety and emergency response effectiveness.