Rep. Mary Bentley

Maddy summaryHB 1214 amends Arkansas' Long-Term Care Aide Training Act to define who qualifies as a "primary instructor" for training programs. It requires primary instructors to be licensed registered nurses (RNs) with no disciplinary actions, at least two years of general nursing experience (including one year in long-term care within the last 10 years), and annual training on care updates. This directly affects nursing training programs and the RNs who teach them, ensuring instructors meet specific experience and ongoing education standards. The bill focuses on setting clear, measurable qualifications for instructors without creating new programs or altering care delivery.

Maddy summaryHB 1205 amends requirements for independent inspections of modular buildings to ensure compliance with safety standards, directly affecting modular building developers, inspectors, and local building officials. The bill updates inspection standards to require compliance with ISO/IEC 17011 certification (replacing a previous reference), which is an internationally recognized standard for inspection bodies. It declares an emergency to expedite implementation of this updated standard. The bill focuses on clarifying and modernizing inspection protocols for modular structures without creating new programs or funding. (Note: The bill became Act 101 on February 18, 2025, but this summary describes its policy content, not its legislative status.)

Maddy summaryHB 1215 allows coaches or athletic staff of the opposite sex to address, supervise, or treat student athletes in shared restroom or changing areas at schools, under specific conditions. The bill directly affects school athletic staff and student athletes in Arkansas public schools. Key provisions authorize these staff members to be present in multi-occupancy facilities during athletic activities when necessary for supervision or care. The bill was enacted as Act 119 on February 18, 2025, following passage by the Arkansas Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 1324 changes Arkansas' legal fireworks sales schedule by moving the start date of the summer sales window from June 20 to June 13 each year. The bill directly affects Arkansas residents who purchase or use fireworks, allowing retail sales from June 13-July 10 annually (instead of June 20-July 10) alongside the existing December 10-January 5 holiday window. This amendment modifies Arkansas Code § 20-22-711(a)(1) to adjust the permissible sales period without altering other provisions. The change applies to all retail sales of fireworks defined under state law.

Maddy summarySB 3 prohibits discrimination or preferential treatment by the State of Arkansas and public entities like schools, hospitals, and government agencies. It directly affects state agencies and public bodies by requiring them to treat all individuals equally under the law. The key provision establishes legal remedies: if a court finds a violation, it can order injunctive relief (stopping the discriminatory practice) and award court costs and attorney fees to the affected party. This law became effective as Act 116 after passing the Arkansas legislature in February 2025.

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.