Rep. Mark Perry

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 1662, titled "TO PROHIBIT LOBBYING FOR A COVERED FOREIGN ENTITY," aimed to prevent individuals or organizations from lobbying on behalf of certain foreign entities. The provided text is an amendment to the bill, which made minor changes to specific wording and references within the original text. Without the full original bill text, the specific definitions of "covered foreign entity" or the detailed mechanisms and scope of the prohibition are not available.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1930 aimed to mandate minimum reimbursement levels for healthcare services provided by healthcare insurers. The bill proposed a phased increase in these minimums, starting at 45% in 2026 and reaching 100% by 2030. It would have also required the Insurance Commissioner to consider specific factors, such as an insurer's Risk-Based Capital level and Medical Loss Ratio, when reviewing proposed increases to premium rates or cost sharing for policyholders.

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 summarySenate Bill 546, enacted as Act 935, revises the law concerning a trust fund contribution fee associated with water permits. This legislation directly affects nonmunicipal domestic sewage treatment works, which are private or commercial facilities handling domestic sewage. A key provision within the bill modifies the criteria for these permits, specifying that any "other viable alternative" considered must also be "cost-effective."

Maddy summaryHB 1604, now Act 943, amends existing laws regarding contracts made by state agencies in Arkansas. The bill specifically prohibits state agencies from using public funds to purchase promotional items that are manufactured in China. This measure aims to regulate the types of products state agencies can acquire using taxpayer money. These new provisions apply to contracts executed on or after the act's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1352 (now Act 937) is a technical amendment to a bill that primarily changes a single word in the legislation - replacing "and" with "or" on page 6, line 31. It does not introduce new policies, alter substantive requirements, or directly affect any specific groups or entities. The bill was passed by the Arkansas Senate with Amendment No. 1 and signed into law on April 21, 2025. As a minor procedural correction, it has no meaningful impact on how the law operates or who it governs.

Maddy summarySB 530 is a procedural bill that added 21 senators and 37 representatives as cosponsors to the original bill. It did not change the tax credit policy itself, as the title references an existing Arkansas Wood Energy Products and Forest Maintenance Income Tax Credit. The bill's purpose was solely to expand the list of legislators supporting the tax credit legislation. The bill was passed and became Act 701 on April 18, 2025. No substantive policy changes to the tax credit were made by this amendment.

Maddy summarySB 527 amends the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Act of 2021, impacting individuals enrolled in the program and participating health insurers. The bill changes the age for exemption from work requirements to over 59 years and clarifies compliance information for the Arkansas Medicaid Program. It establishes a process for suspending coverage for individuals who do not cooperate with work requirements, allowing them to regain active coverage if they demonstrate an intention to comply. Additionally, the bill reduces the required medical-loss ratio for health insurers in the program from 90% to 85%.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1680, now Act 811, restricts certain foreign entities from acquiring interests in land. It prohibits businesses controlled by a "foreign party" from leasing land. The bill also prevents "prohibited foreign parties" from holding an interest in real property or agricultural land under specific circumstances. An amendment clarifies that an individual is not considered a "prohibited foreign party" if they are also a citizen of the United States.