Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1008 proposes to extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers. If enacted, the bill would require Medicaid to cover eligible mothers for a full year after they give birth. This change would provide extended healthcare access to individuals in the postpartum period.
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 summaryHouse Joint Resolution 1004 (HJR 1004) proposes that the state formally requests the United States Congress to call a Convention of the States. The specific purpose of this convention would be to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment would establish term limits for members of the United States Congress, directly affecting those who serve in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Maddy summaryHB 1040, titled "The Water In Line Act of 2025" (which appears inconsistent with its actual content), aimed to amend penalties for misdemeanor offenses related to voting. The bill sought to change legal penalties for voting-related misdemeanors but did not specify the exact nature of these changes in the provided text. It was introduced in the 95th General Assembly (2025), underwent committee review, and ultimately died in committee on May 5, 2025, without becoming law. The bill’s confusing title likely contains an error, as its substance focused solely on voting offense penalties.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1144 aimed to require schools participating in the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program to comply with specific reporting standards. It mandated that these participating schools would be subject to the same statutory and Department of Education reporting requirements that public schools in Arkansas must follow. This bill sought to standardize the reporting obligations across both types of schools.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1885, as amended, establishes new requirements for law enforcement agencies when an officer's use of physical force results in a death. It mandates that the involved officer be immediately placed on paid administrative leave. During this time, the agency must provide at least 90 days of mandatory mental health counseling or therapy from a licensed professional at no cost to the officer. The officer can only return to active duty after the prosecuting attorney confirms no criminal charges will be filed and the mental health professional recommends their return. These requirements are waived if the officer is charged with a criminal offense related to the incident.
Maddy summaryHB 1769 proposes new standards for law enforcement officers by requiring psychological evaluations. This bill directly affects individuals seeking to become or remain employed as law enforcement officers. As amended, it would mandate that current law enforcement officers undergo a psychological evaluation every five years. Additionally, any officer seeking employment with a new law enforcement agency must provide a psychological evaluation completed within the last two years.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution honors the Arkansas Minority Health Commission during American Heart Month in February. It recognizes the Commission's efforts to address heart disease specifically among minority populations in Arkansas.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1880 proposes amendments to Arkansas's Human Life Protection Act and Unborn Child Protection Act. The bill seeks to add new exceptions to the state's abortion prohibitions, allowing the procedure in cases of pregnancies resulting from incest or rape, provided a report has been filed with law enforcement. It also includes an exception for fetal abnormalities incompatible with life. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "medical emergency" to include circumstances where an abortion is necessary to preserve the health of a pregnant woman, not just her life.
Maddy summaryHB 1625 amends the law concerning insurance requirements for licensed home inspectors. The bill specifies that, in addition to general liability insurance, these professionals must also maintain a professional liability insurance policy or an errors and omissions insurance policy. This required professional coverage must be approved by the State Insurance Department.
