Rep. Jay Richardson

Maddy summarySB 607 aimed to establish requirements for Arkansas public school districts that choose to implement a four-day school week. The bill would authorize local school boards to adopt this schedule, explicitly preventing the State Board of Education from approving or denying their decision. However, the State Board would be required to set standards for state funding distribution and ensure districts provide an average of 30 hours of instruction per week. Districts would also need to provide documentation of their program's success using state-approved tests and include the four-day week on their annual report for community input. A district could forfeit the four-day week option if classified as needing intensive support and showing persistent underperformance.

Maddy summaryHJR 1002 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution. This amendment aims to repeal the existing exception that currently permits slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime. If adopted, it would remove this specific allowance from the state's constitution, ensuring a complete prohibition of slavery and involuntary servitude for all individuals in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1940 sets requirements for public school districts that choose to implement a four-day school week. The bill outlines how state aid funds will be determined and distributed to these districts. Its primary aim is to ensure that schools operating on a four-day schedule receive an equitable share of state aid. This is intended to guarantee that the educational opportunities provided are equivalent to those offered by districts following a traditional five-day school week.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1738 proposes a sales and use tax exemption for disabled veterans and authorized members of their households in Arkansas. To qualify, a disabled veteran must be certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and submit a letter to the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). This exemption applies to sales of tangible personal property, digital products, and services, with an annual maximum limit of $25,000 per disabled veteran. The DFA would issue exemption cards and establish rules for the program.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1626, as amended, aimed to prohibit the sale of certain disposable vapor products. The bill's central provision was to ban the sale of disposable vapor products that originate from a "prohibited foreign party," a term defined by referencing an existing legal statute (§ 18-11-802). This measure would have directly impacted retailers selling vapor products and consumers who purchase them. The bill did not pass and died in committee.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 1004 (HJR 1004) proposes that the state formally requests the United States Congress to call a Convention of the States. The specific purpose of this convention would be to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment would establish term limits for members of the United States Congress, directly affecting those who serve in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 1053 is a commemorative resolution that formally recognizes and honors Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. The bill acknowledges their contributions to their communities, the state of Arkansas, the nation, and the world. Upon adoption, copies of the resolution are to be provided to the leaders of both organizations.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1695 clarifies the foreclosure process for properties subject to municipal liens, directly affecting municipalities, property owners, and other lienholders. The bill allows municipalities to establish priority for unrecorded municipal liens and outlines how proceeds from property sales are distributed based on lien priority. It requires municipalities to name all record lienholders in foreclosure actions where they claim priority; otherwise, the unnamed lienholder's claim remains on the property. Additionally, the bill enables municipalities to petition to set aside the sale of property to certain persons.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1237 sought to prohibit medical professionals from directly soliciting individuals who have recently been injured in an accident or other event, for the purpose of offering treatment. This restriction would apply to various forms of direct contact, including in-person, telephonic, and electronic messages. However, it would not apply if the medical professional has a prior relationship with the individual or if the solicitation occurs more than 30 days after the injury-causing event. Violations would be classified as a Class D felony, invalidate any resulting healthcare service agreements, and entitle affected patients to a full refund and attorney's fees.

Maddy summaryHB 1159 proposed creating the "Retail Convenience Store Security Act" in Arkansas. This bill would have required retail convenience stores to implement specific security measures between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., starting January 1, 2026. Key provisions included mandating a minimum of two employees, installing security camera systems and drop safes, maintaining lighted parking lots, and conducting transactions through a pass-through window while the premises are locked. The goal was to increase safety for employees and customers by deterring crime at these establishments.