Rep. Mary Bentley

Maddy summaryHB 1180, also known as the "Baby Olivia Act," mandates specific video content for human fetal growth and development discussions. These discussions must include a high-definition ultrasound video showing early fetal organ development. Additionally, a video at least three minutes long depicting fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus until birth is required. The bill tasks the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education with approving a list of these videos, specifically mentioning the "Meet Baby Olivia" video. This legislation would affect the content of educational discussions on fetal development and the responsibilities of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 204 proposes to exempt certain financial gains from state gross income for tax purposes. This exemption would apply to taxpayers whose property is acquired by a government or entity under the right of eminent domain or the threat of condemnation. Essentially, any profit a property owner makes from such a forced sale would not be considered taxable income under this bill.

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 summaryHB 1667 sought to amend the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 in Arkansas, specifically concerning public meetings. The bill proposed to change the definition of a "public meeting" to include gatherings of two members, rather than more than two members, of any state or local government body. This change would affect various entities, including state agencies, commissions, municipalities, counties, and publicly funded organizations. The intent was to expand the scope of meetings subject to public transparency requirements under state law.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1977, titled the "Protecting Childhood Innocence in Libraries Act," requires public school libraries and other taxpayer-funded libraries to ensure that sexually explicit material is not placed on open shelves in children's library areas, which are designated for children aged twelve and under. Sex education materials would also be kept off open shelves but could be accessed by a child with a parent or guardian's request. The bill creates a private legal right for parents or guardians to sue libraries for damages and other relief if their child is exposed to sexually explicit material in these children's sections.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1791 aimed to clarify that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) do not hold jurisdiction or power within the state of Arkansas. It sought to prevent the state and its political subdivisions, including counties and school districts, from enforcing or implementing any requirements or mandates issued by these international organizations. The bill specifically prohibited using such mandates as a basis for actions like imposing requirements for masks, vaccinations, or medical testing that conflict with Arkansas law. Additionally, it aimed to prevent the use of WHO or UN mandates to gather public or private information about Arkansas citizens or residents.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1795, titled the "Fertility Clinic Licensure Act," would create a new licensing requirement for medical facilities and healthcare professionals in Arkansas that collect or preserve human embryos for fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). These facilities would need to obtain a separate annual license and pay a $1,000 fee. The bill also mandates that fertility clinics report specific non-personally identifiable data to the Department of Health, with a $50,000 fine for non-compliance. The Department of Health would then compile this information into annual public reports available on its website and to legislative committees.

Maddy summaryHJR 1015 was a proposed constitutional amendment in Arkansas that aimed to change how judicial candidates appear on the ballot. If approved, it would have required candidates for Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Judge, Circuit Judge, and District Judge to declare their political party affiliation or independent status. This declared affiliation or independent status would then be printed on the ballot for voters to see. The stated purpose of the amendment was to ensure transparency regarding judicial candidates' affiliations. This amendment would have taken effect on January 1, 2027, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1065, titled "TO CREATE THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT OF 2025," died in the House Committee on Revenue & Taxation on May 5, 2025, without becoming law. The provided bill text contains no substantive policy language or specific mechanisms; it only includes a list of supporting legislators and procedural details. No concrete policy changes, affected groups, or key provisions are described in the available text. As a bill that stalled in committee with no enacted provisions, it did not implement any inflation-related measures. The title appears to be a placeholder, as no actual inflation reduction policy was outlined in the submitted bill.

Maddy summaryHB 1435 aimed to modify state income tax laws concerning child care. The bill sought to amend the existing income tax credit available to employers who provide child care services. Additionally, it proposed to establish a new income tax credit specifically for licensed child care providers. These provisions were intended to adjust financial incentives for both businesses supporting child care and the providers themselves.