Rep. Les Eaves

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 summarySB 391 creates a state grant program to fund robotics teams in Arkansas public and private schools for students in grades 6-12. The program provides grants covering competition fees, robot kits, supplies, and mentor stipends (up to $1,500 annually), requiring a 25% matching contribution from other sources. To qualify, teams must partner with local businesses or schools, design original robots, and compete in approved events like FIRST Robotics or VEX competitions. The goal is to strengthen STEM education through hands-on robotics participation, emphasizing skills like programming, teamwork, and manufacturing connections.

Maddy summarySB 219 repeals the expiration date (July 1, 2025) for Arkansas' medical marijuana special privilege tax law, preventing the tax from automatically ending. The bill directly affects medical marijuana businesses and state revenue by ensuring the tax continues without needing new legislation. Key provisions include removing the sunset clause in the 2017 law and declaring an emergency to guarantee uninterrupted tax collection. The emergency clause states the tax must continue for public health and safety, making the law effective immediately upon the Governor's approval or override. This preserves the existing tax structure without altering its rates or scope.

Maddy summarySB 307, now Act 373, creates the "Generating Arkansas Jobs Act of 2025" to support energy infrastructure investments. It requires the Arkansas Public Service Commission to consider strategic investments in natural gas and electric generation when setting utility rates, allowing companies to recover costs for approved projects. The bill mandates refunds to customers for imprudently incurred costs and sets new requirements for utility infrastructure projects to ensure grid reliability during extreme weather. It directly affects investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities operating in Arkansas by changing how they recover infrastructure costs through rate cases. The legislation declares an emergency to expedite these energy infrastructure developments.

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 summarySB 246, the Arkansas Access Act, prohibits Arkansas public schools from granting excused absences for political protests. It allows excused absences for student participation in social or public policy advocacy or efforts to influence legislation, but only with written consent from a parent, guardian, or legal custodian. Schools must annually report to the state education division the number of such absences requested, granted, and the stated purpose of each absence. The bill directly affects public school districts and charter schools in Arkansas, along with students and their families.

Maddy summaryHB 1512, now Act 341, prohibits Arkansas public schools and charter schools from granting excused absences for "political protest." It allows excused absences for student "social or public policy advocacy" or "influencing legislation" only with parental consent. Schools must annually report the number of such absences and their purposes to the education division. The law directly affects public school students, parents, and school administrators by changing absence policies for non-academic activities.

Maddy summarySB 150 amends Arkansas law to allow the Director of the Employee Benefits Division to cooperate with the U.S. government on Medicare-related matters. This change directly affects state and public school employees covered under the state's life and health insurance program by enabling streamlined coordination with federal Medicare programs. The key provision adds new authority to the Director's duties, specifically permitting collaboration on federally funded benefit programs. The bill creates no new benefits or costs but adjusts administrative processes for existing insurance coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 (now Act 238) amends Arkansas criminal law to establish a new offense for "unlawful squattering." The bill makes it a criminal violation for a person to occupy property without the owner's permission, specifically targeting individuals who enter or remain on property after being asked to leave. This directly affects individuals occupying vacant or abandoned properties without legal right, such as vacant homes or land. The key provision creates a specific criminal charge (likely a misdemeanor) for this conduct, distinct from general trespass laws, and specifies that the offense applies after the owner or their agent has issued a verbal or written demand to vacate.