Rep. Jeremiah Moore

Maddy summaryThis House Memorial Resolution (HMR 1009) honors former Arkansas House Speaker Benny Petrus for his service to Stuttgart and the state. It commemorates his life and career, including his tenure as House Speaker (2007-2009) and his community involvement, after his passing in May 2024. The resolution formally recognizes his contributions and directs that a copy be provided to his family. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create any new laws or affect policy.

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phrases like "or the State of Qatar" or "from the State of Qatar" from 17 different sections of the code, correcting outdated or erroneous text.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 275 amends Arkansas' liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) regulations to replace specific technical requirements with broader authority for the LPG Board. It eliminates mandatory odorization standards (§15-75-107), safety meeting rules (§15-75-108), and financial statement requirements for multiple permit classes (e.g., §§15-75-308, 309, 311, 316). The bill establishes new training mandates requiring LPG employees to complete board-approved courses for certification, with failure to attend risking suspension. It also repeals outdated container strength standards (§§15-75-401-403) and retail account statement rules (§15-75-407), shifting oversight to the LPG Board’s rulemaking authority. These changes primarily affect LPG businesses, permit holders, and their employees operating in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryHB 1590 merges Woodruff County’s treasurer and tax collector positions into a single elected office, effective January 1, 2027. Voters in Woodruff County will elect one official to serve both roles in the 2026 general election, with the winner taking office on the effective date. The bill specifies that the combined officeholder must provide a bond, receive county-court-determined compensation within state-set limits, and manage county financial duties as outlined in existing law. This change directly affects Woodruff County residents and its elected county official, streamlining a local government role without altering tax policies or revenue collection procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1591 combines Arkansas County's treasurer and tax collector positions into a single office effective January 1, 2027. Voters in Arkansas County will elect one person to serve both roles in the 2026 general election, with the winner taking office on the effective date. The bill maintains existing requirements for the officeholder to provide a bond, receive compensation set by the county Quorum Court within state-prescribed limits, and hire deputies. This change directly affects Arkansas County residents by streamlining county financial administration under one elected official.

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 summarySB 317 prohibits Arkansas public institutions of higher education from engaging in specific activities with "prohibited foreign parties." It directly affects universities and colleges receiving state funding by banning them from conducting agricultural research under contract or selling agricultural products (including seeds) with such entities. The bill defines "prohibited foreign parties" but does not specify which entities qualify. This policy change restricts certain financial and research transactions between Arkansas colleges and designated foreign entities, without altering broader academic collaboration rules. The bill passed as Act 351 on March 20, 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 summarySB 301 amends Arkansas law to create an enhanced penalty for theft of commercial cargo, directly affecting individuals convicted of stealing goods in transit. The bill defines "cargo" as commercial shipments moving between points (excluding direct-to-consumer goods) and adds a 10-year consecutive prison term for such thefts, requiring prosecutors to notify defendants in writing. It also prohibits earned release credits for the enhanced sentence portion. The General Assembly declared an emergency, citing economic harm to businesses from cargo theft. The bill became law (Act 322) on March 18, 2025, after passing the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds nitrogen gas as an additional method of execution for individuals sentenced to death in Arkansas, alongside the existing lethal injection option. It requires prison officials to notify death row inmates of the chosen execution method (nitrogen gas or lethal injection) at least seven days in advance. The bill also includes confidentiality provisions preventing public disclosure of execution protocols, drug sources, and personnel involved under Arkansas' public records laws. This change applies to all future capital punishment cases in Arkansas, following its passage into law as Act 302.