Rep. Jay Richardson

Maddy summarySCR 4 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing former Arkansas State Representative and Senator Joyce Elliott during Black History Month for her legislative service. It honors her 23-year career in the Arkansas legislature (2000-2023), her focus on education policy, and her founding of the civic engagement nonprofit Get Loud Arkansas. The resolution has no binding effect - it simply acknowledges her contributions through a formal commendation presented to her. This is a procedural recognition, not a policy change, and was approved by both chambers and the Governor in March 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 263 (now Act 330) increases the amount of the homestead property tax credit available to Arkansas homeowners. This policy change directly benefits qualifying homeowners who own and occupy their primary residence, reducing their annual property tax bill. The bill amends the existing tax credit structure to provide a higher dollar amount for eligible taxpayers. It became law after passing the Arkansas legislature and being delivered to the Governor on March 13, 2025. The change represents a concrete adjustment to tax relief for qualified homeowners without altering eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1503 prohibits local governments from imposing certain restrictions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), such as secondary housing units on residential property. The bill specifically blocks municipalities from banning ADUs entirely or setting fees exceeding $250 for their approval. It also invalidates local rules conflicting with this provision and requires water/sewer system approvals or health department clearance for ADU construction. This law directly affects homeowners, developers, and city planners by expanding opportunities to build small secondary homes on existing residential lots.

Maddy summaryHB 1405 amends Arkansas law to add new regulations for licensed chiropractic physicians regarding the use of a "procurer" (a third party that procures goods or services). The bill directly affects chiropractors by requiring them to follow specific rules when engaging a procurer to obtain medical supplies or services. Key provisions include adding statutory requirements to ensure proper oversight and prevent misuse in chiropractic procurement practices. The bill became law as Act 309 on March 18, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1319, which was withdrawn by its author on March 17, 2025, would have created a state sales tax exemption for disabled veterans, their unremarried spouses, and surviving spouses of disabled veterans in Arkansas. The bill would have allowed these individuals to exclude up to $5,000 annually in sales tax on tangible personal property and certain digital products purchased at physical stores within the state. To claim the exemption, veterans would have needed an identification card from the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, while surviving spouses would have required certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The exemption would not apply to local sales taxes or the compensating use tax.

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 summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HMR 1004), not a substantive bill. It formally commemorates James "Jim" Guy Tucker, who served as Arkansas Attorney General, U.S. Congressman, and the state's 43rd Governor. The resolution honors his career and legacy without enacting any policy changes or affecting any group. It passed unanimously in the Arkansas House of Representatives on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1353 regulates vision benefit managers and amends Arkansas' Vision Care Plan Act and Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act. It prohibits insurance contracts from automatically reducing vision benefits solely due to other coverage (e.g., multiple vision plans), requiring such reductions to follow Insurance Commissioner-approved rules instead. The bill defines key terms like "covered materials" (e.g., lenses, frames) and "vision benefit manager," while banning agreements that force providers to charge more for non-covered services than their standard rates. This directly affects Arkansans with vision insurance plans and eye care providers, ensuring fairer billing practices for covered vision care services and materials. The bill passed in February 2025 and became Act 142.

Maddy summarySB 59 requires all public schools to provide one free breakfast daily to every student upon request, without checking if they qualify for federally funded free or reduced-price meals. This policy directly affects all public school students in the state, eliminating eligibility barriers for breakfast access. The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon enactment. It changes school meal procedures by mandating universal breakfast availability as a standard practice, not tied to existing federal program eligibility. The bill became law as Act 123 on February 24, 2025.

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.