Rep. Lee Johnson

Maddy summaryHB 1213 clarifies the definition of "athlete" and defines "healthcare provider" specifically for student athlete concussion education under Arkansas' Athletic Trainers Act. The bill directly affects student athletes, schools, and healthcare professionals by establishing clear standards for concussion education requirements. It amends existing law to ensure consistent application of concussion protocols, requiring healthcare providers to deliver standardized education to student athletes. The bill became Act 266 after passing the Arkansas Senate in March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1184 amends the Fair Mortgage Lending Act to protect consumers' privacy during mortgage applications. It specifically prohibits lenders from knowingly using "mortgage trigger lead" information - data that identifies a consumer's mortgage application activity - in violation of the law or the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (as it existed January 1, 2025). The bill directly affects mortgage applicants and lenders, requiring them to handle application data responsibly. Key provisions ban misuse of this sensitive information, strengthening privacy safeguards without altering loan terms or interest rates. The bill became law as Act 263 on March 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1309 requires health insurers in Arkansas to cover screening mammograms and breast ultrasounds without any copayments or deductibles, regardless of whether services are provided on separate dates or multiple times on the same day. It also ensures that diagnostic breast cancer exams (including MRIs) have cost-sharing requirements no worse than those for screening exams. This bill directly affects insured Arkansans seeking breast cancer screenings by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for these specific preventive services. The law amends existing coverage requirements to clarify and strengthen access to early detection services under health benefit plans.

Maddy summaryHB 1166, now Act 245, clarifies who in schools may administer epinephrine for severe allergic reactions. It expands authorization beyond physicians to include advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants. This directly affects school staff, such as nurses or designated personnel, who may need to use epinephrine during emergencies. The law ensures more qualified individuals can respond quickly to allergic reactions in elementary and secondary schools.

Maddy summarySB 48 (now Act 246) requires insurance companies in Arkansas to clearly state the actual dollar amount of deductibles - rather than just a percentage - on policy declarations for owner-occupied residential property insurance. This applies to policies covering non-earthquake losses where deductibles are calculated as a percentage of the home's insured value. The law mandates this disclosure on the policy's declaration page or renewal notice, making it easier for homeowners to understand their out-of-pocket costs. It directly affects homeowners with standard residential insurance policies in Arkansas, excluding earthquake coverage.

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 1286 is a procedural amendment to the Arkansas Triage, Treat, and Transport to Alternative Destination Act, adding Senator J. Boyd as a sponsor. The amendment was approved by the Senate on February 24, 2025, and the bill was enacted as Act 199 on February 27, 2025. This change does not alter the policy provisions of the original act but formally includes Senator Boyd in the bill's sponsorship. The amendment relates solely to legislative procedure, not to substantive policy changes affecting residents or healthcare systems.

Maddy summaryHB 1384 amends the structure of Arkansas' Graduate Medical Education Residency Expansion Board by adding Senator J. Dismang to the board and declares an emergency to accelerate funding for medical residency programs. The bill directly affects medical training programs across Arkansas that prepare new physicians, with the emergency clause citing urgent need to address statewide physician shortages before fall training starts. Key provisions include expediting funding distribution to meet summer deadlines for program readiness and establishing immediate effectiveness upon Governor approval or legislative override of a veto. This procedural bill focuses on administrative changes to speed up program expansion, not new policy.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1287 amends the Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act to define "downcode" (when insurers or payers reduce payment amounts below what a healthcare provider billed) and requires all healthcare payers to notify providers when they downcode a claim. This directly affects hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers who receive payments from insurance companies or government programs like Medicaid. The key provision mandates clear, timely written notice to providers whenever a payment is downcoded, ensuring transparency about reduced reimbursements. The law aims to simplify billing disputes by establishing a clear definition and notification requirement, reducing confusion over payment adjustments.