Rep. Matt Brown

Maddy summarySB 463 requires Arkansas public utilities to obtain approval from the Arkansas Public Service Commission before entering settlement agreements that would close or eliminate power plants or transmission assets. The bill directly affects utilities, the Commission, and consumers by mandating that settlements must legally resolve claims, not exceed regulatory costs, and avoid decisions driven by environmental goals rather than law. The Commission must evaluate whether proposed settlements are legally sound, cost-justified for consumers, and based on reasonable legal interpretations before approving or denying them. This creates a new review process to ensure settlements protect consumer interests and comply with state regulations. The bill does not change existing utility operations but adds oversight for specific settlement agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 1645 amends state law to permit microbrewery-restaurants operating as private clubs to advertise their location, events, and menu. This change removes previous restrictions on these specific advertising details for such businesses. The bill directly affects microbrewery-restaurants functioning as private clubs by expanding their permitted marketing content. It does not alter advertising rules for other business types or establishments. The bill was enacted as Act 601 on April 14, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Arkansas bill (SB 564, now Act 596) changes the legal definition of "beer" to allow up to 10% alcohol by weight (previously capped at 5%) and explicitly includes malt beverages within this definition. It updates all relevant sections of Arkansas law to reflect this higher alcohol limit for beer and malt beverages, while maintaining separate 5% limits for "light wine." The bill directly affects brewers producing higher-alcohol malt beverages, retailers selling them, and regulators enforcing alcohol content rules. These changes streamline regulations for craft brewers and similar products without altering tax rates or local sales restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 1736 amends Arkansas' implementation of the Uniform Commercial Code (Article 9) to invalidate certain contractual restrictions on security interest assignments. It specifically makes terms that prohibit or restrict the assignment of accounts, chattel paper, promissory notes, or security interests - such as clauses requiring debtor consent or triggering defaults - unenforceable if they impair security interest enforcement. This affects creditors (like lenders) and debtors in commercial transactions involving these assets, ensuring security interests can be freely transferred without violating existing contracts. The bill is now Act 603 and aligns Arkansas law with the Uniform Commercial Code's standard for enforceable security interests.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 29, 2025, as Vietnam War Veterans Day and March 2025 as Vietnam Era Veterans Month in Arkansas. It formally recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of Vietnam War veterans through state-level ceremonial observance. The resolution does not create new laws, programs, or benefits - it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. It affects Arkansas residents by establishing official dates for state-level recognition of veterans' service.

Maddy summaryHB 1303 (now Act 546) creates a state income tax credit for businesses producing sustainable aviation fuel in Arkansas. The credit allows eligible producers to reduce their state income tax liability by up to the full amount of tax they owe in a given year. It directly affects aviation fuel producers who meet the bill's sustainability criteria, providing financial incentive to develop and use cleaner fuel alternatives. The law, enacted April 10, 2025, establishes this credit as part of Arkansas' efforts to support sustainable energy infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 1636 would phase out Arkansas' soft drink tax by gradually eliminating it based on sales tax collections from soft drink sales. The bill proposed replacing the current tax with a system tied directly to existing sales tax data, ensuring a smooth transition. This change would directly affect soft drink retailers (who collect the tax) and consumers (who pay it). The legislation aimed to replace an outdated tax structure with one aligned to current sales tax reporting practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1561) is a technical amendment to remove all references to "the State of Qatar" from existing state laws. It deletes phrases like "or the State of Qatar" or "from the State of Qatar" from 17 different sections of the code, correcting outdated or erroneous text. The bill does not create new policies, affect any individuals or groups, or change legal requirements. It was passed by both chambers and became law as Act 473 on April 8, 2025, solely to update legal references.

Maddy summarySB 409 prohibits financial services providers from refusing to do business with or terminating relationships with agricultural producers solely based on their status as such. It defines "agricultural producer" to include those growing crops, raising animals, or producing livestock/dairy products. The bill requires Arkansas' Treasurer to publish a list of financial providers found to discriminate against agricultural producers, after giving them 45 days' notice and a 30-day window to prove they are not discriminating. This list will be posted online, with the process involving an ESG Oversight Committee and requiring agricultural producers to consent to sharing financial data if they report discrimination.

Maddy summaryHB 1721 bans greyhound racing and wagers on greyhound racing (including simulcasts) in Arkansas. It prohibits casino licensees and franchise holders from conducting or accepting bets on greyhound racing under Arkansas law. The bill amends multiple code sections to remove greyhound racing from permitted activities, updating references in gaming, electronic games, and lottery laws to reflect this ban. The prohibition takes effect January 1, 2028, directly impacting entities currently authorized to operate greyhound racing or related wagering.