Rep. Ryan Rose

Maddy summarySB 292 amends Arkansas law to adjust the date of annual school elections when they fall on a state holiday. It requires school districts to move elections scheduled on a state holiday to the third Tuesday of the month, rather than the second Tuesday as previously specified. This change directly affects all Arkansas public school districts holding annual elections in even-numbered years (aligned with state primaries/general elections) or odd-numbered years (November or May). The bill declares an emergency, stating that avoiding holidays ensures broader voter participation and fairer election results.

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 summarySB 178 clarifies that surrogates (people making healthcare decisions for incapacitated individuals) can access a principal's financial records - including income, assets, and bank accounts - to apply for public benefits like Medicaid. It requires a written designation signed by the principal or a healthcare provider, with specific details and witness requirements, to authorize this access. Financial institutions must follow strict procedures when processing requests, including notifying joint account holders, and cannot be held liable for complying in good faith. The law explicitly states surrogates cannot control or direct the principal's assets, and all accessed records must be securely handled and destroyed after the surrogate's authority ends.

Maddy summaryHB 1368 amends the list of musicians honored on Arkansas Music Appreciation Day by adding specific names to the official roster. The bill directly affects the state's commemorative designation for music professionals recognized annually. It is a procedural update to the existing holiday framework, not a policy change with broader implications. The bill became law as Act 203 on February 27, 2025, after passing both chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 1437 prohibits Level 3 or Level 4 sex offenders from entering water parks, swimming areas, or children's playgrounds within 100 feet of Arkansas State Parks or public parks. It directly affects individuals required to register under Arkansas' Sex Offender Registration Act who have been assessed as Level 3 or 4 offenders. The bill expands prior restrictions by adding swimming areas and playgrounds to the prohibited zones, with violations classified as Class D felonies. This law amends Arkansas Code § 5-14-134 to cover all public parks and state parks, not just local government-owned facilities.

Maddy summarySB 16 increases penalties for discharging firearms or throwing objects like stones at trains or railroad cars. It directly affects individuals who intentionally fire guns or throw projectiles at trains, which is currently a Class A misdemeanor. The bill raises the maximum fine for these offenses from $250 to a higher amount (though the exact new maximum isn't specified in the text), while keeping the current minimum fine of $25. This amendment strengthens existing penalties without changing the offense classification or adding new requirements.

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 summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing Lorie Tudor for her 41-year career with the Arkansas Department of Transportation. It formally acknowledges her service to the state but contains no policy changes or funding provisions. The resolution has no direct impact on citizens, laws, or government operations - it serves only as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. No voting record is relevant, as it does not advance legislation.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution expresses the official opposition of the Arkansas House of Representatives to the Arkansas Abortion Amendment of 2024 and encourages registered voters to vote against it. The measure does not create new laws but serves as a procedural statement urging the public to reject a ballot initiative that would allow abortions during the first twenty weeks of pregnancy. By formally opposing the amendment, the resolution aims to influence voter behavior without altering the state's legal code or policy outcomes.