Rep. Lee Johnson

Maddy summarySB 213, now Act 140, creates Arkansas' "Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act" to improve maternal health through Medicaid reforms. It requires the Arkansas Medicaid Program to cover specific services separately (not as bundled payments), including prenatal visits, blood pressure monitoring devices with training, remote ultrasounds, and doula/community health worker home visits for prenatal/postpartum care. The law also mandates depression screening for pregnant women and allows immediate enrollment for pregnant applicants while awaiting full processing. These changes directly affect pregnant and postpartum Medicaid enrollees in Arkansas, aiming to expand access to critical health services.

Maddy summaryHB 1425 would have abolished Arkansas' Fire Protection Licensing Board and transferred all its duties, records, and funds to the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board. The bill amended multiple state codes to replace references to the "Licensing Board" with the "Services Board" in provisions about fire extinguisher licensing, standards, and enforcement. This was a procedural change to consolidate oversight under one board, affecting fire protection professionals and businesses requiring licensing. The bill was withdrawn by its author on February 20, 2025, and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 1170 requires Arkansas' Department of Human Services to review reimbursement rates for substance abuse treatment and prevention services funded through a state block grant. The review must analyze all service costs to determine if current rates adequately cover providers' expenses. The department must report findings to the House and Senate health committees by December 31, 2025. Note: This bill was withdrawn by its author on February 20, 2025, and is no longer active.

Maddy summaryHB 1294 would have allowed licensed ambulance services in Arkansas to order durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs) or outpatient services (such as physical therapy) for patients without requiring a physician referral, coordinated through their medical director. It also would have required health insurance plans to cover these services when ordered by ambulance staff. The bill specifically amended ambulance service regulations (Arkansas Code § 20-13-108) and insurance coverage rules (Arkansas Code § 23-79-2703) to implement these changes. However, the bill was withdrawn by its author on February 20, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1172 would have amended Arkansas' Medicaid Fairness Act to ensure Medicaid providers can appeal enforcement actions by the state. It added definitions clarifying that "enforcement action" includes any decision affecting a provider's compliance with Medicaid rules and required that adverse actions (including those with direct monetary consequences) follow specific appeal procedures. Key provisions mandated 48 hours' notice for routine monitoring visits, required agencies to rule on reconsideration requests within 30 days (with violations automatically vacated if not decided on time), and allowed administrative appeals after reconsideration denial. The bill was withdrawn by its author on February 20, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1427, now Act 124, creates Arkansas' "Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act" to improve maternal health through Medicaid reforms. It requires the Arkansas Medicaid Program to reimburse for specific services including depression screening during pregnancy, separate coverage for prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care (such as office visits, blood work, and remote glucose monitoring), and self-measured blood pressure monitoring equipment. The bill also mandates reimbursement for remote ultrasounds, home visits by doulas and community health workers, and establishes presumptive eligibility to immediately enroll pregnant women in Medicaid while their full applications are processed. These provisions directly affect pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in Arkansas Medicaid, aiming to expand access to preventative and specialized care.

Maddy summaryHB 1282 (now Act 110) amends Arkansas law to clarify and strengthen penalties for unauthorized practice of law. It directly affects non-lawyers who offer legal services in personal injury or property damage cases, such as those advising on claims, negotiating settlements, or soliciting clients for these matters. The bill specifically prohibits actions like contracting for representation on a contingent fee basis, advising on settlement offers, or entering exclusive agreements for selecting legal counsel without a license. This makes it a criminal offense to engage in these activities with the intent of gaining direct economic benefit, tightening existing restrictions on unlicensed legal assistance. The law took effect on February 18, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

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.

Maddy summaryThis Arkansas House resolution designates February as National Children's Dental Health Month to raise public awareness about children's dental health. It does not create new laws or funding but encourages community focus on preventing dental issues that cause school absences. The resolution specifically highlights how early dental habits reduce preventable illnesses and missed school hours for children. It directs the Arkansas House to present a copy to Delta Dental organizations upon adoption. (Note: This is a symbolic designation resolution, not a policy with concrete changes.)

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.