Rep. Karilyn Brown

Maddy summaryHB 1732 aims to increase the income tax deduction available to teachers. This deduction applies to money teachers spend on their classrooms, often referred to as classroom investment. By increasing the allowed deduction, the bill enables teachers to reduce a larger portion of these out-of-pocket expenses from their taxable income. This change directly affects teachers who incur costs for their classrooms.

Maddy summaryHB 1085 updates state law regarding tax-deferred tuition savings programs. It adopts federal regulations for these types of savings plans, which can affect how tuition savings grow tax-free. Additionally, the bill amends state income tax liability for individuals who transfer funds from an Arkansas Brighter Future Fund plan into a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA). This primarily affects Arkansas residents using these education savings plans and those considering converting their education savings to retirement funds.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1664, as amended, modifies "Quincy's Law" regarding investigations of alleged child abuse under the Child Maltreatment Act. It grants a parent, guardian, or custodian accused of abuse the right to request a second medical opinion for the child and an examination to rule out specific underlying medical conditions that might mimic abuse symptoms. Additionally, the bill provides parents, guardians, or custodians the right to receive medical records for a child who has been removed from their custody or is in the custody of the Department of Human Services. These additional examinations would be paid for by the alleged offender, insurance, or Medicaid.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1803 authorizes the placement of a monument on the State Capitol Grounds. This monument is intended to recognize and honor Maurice Lee “Footsie” Britt.

Maddy summaryHB 1815, now Act 687, modifies the state's legal authority in two distinct areas. It amends the state's jurisdiction regarding federal lands located within its borders. Additionally, the bill ensures that the state retains jurisdiction over juvenile justice matters. An amendment clarifies that these juvenile cases will be heard by the circuit court or the juvenile division of the circuit court.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1782, now Act 642, prohibits the sale, transfer, or furnishing of over-the-counter diet pills to individuals who are under eighteen years of age. This means that retailers and other parties are not permitted to provide these specific products to minors. The law directly affects sellers of these pills and individuals under 18 seeking to purchase them.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1333, now Act 627, mandates that health insurance plans must provide coverage for breastfeeding and lactation consultant services. This bill directly affects individuals who utilize these services by ensuring their insurance covers the costs. It requires health insurance providers to include this specific coverage in their plans. An amendment clarified that these services must be provided by a certified healthcare provider.

Maddy summarySB 252 requires retailers to include clear health risk warnings about vapor and e-liquid products on product packaging and in advertising, directly affecting businesses selling these items in Arkansas. The bill defines "vapor product" and "e-liquid" while excluding certain refillable nicotine solutions and devices, ensuring the requirements apply only to specific products. It increases penalties for noncompliance from $250 to $500 per violation and sets a November 1, 2025 effective date. The law aims to inform consumers, particularly youth, about health risks without restricting product access or sales.

Maddy summarySB 422 amends Arkansas's Brighter Future Fund Plan to allow 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to contribute to education savings accounts for individuals or groups of beneficiaries. The bill requires the State Treasurer to create a system for nonprofits to establish accounts, including obtaining necessary personal information while protecting confidentiality. Nonprofits must provide parents or guardians of minor beneficiaries the option to decline an account. This change expands who can contribute to the existing savings plan, directly affecting nonprofits and the beneficiaries they support.

Maddy summaryHB 1802 creates a state-funded Talent Recruitment Grant Program to incentivize individuals to relocate to Arkansas. The program provides grants to municipalities and qualifying nonprofits (e.g., for economic development) to offer relocation incentives to individuals who either hold remote jobs paying at least $55,000 annually or accept full-time in-state employment. Grants up to $500,000 per applicant require recipients to cover 20% of program costs and meet 50% of their target relocation goals before receiving final payment. Recipients must report quarterly on participant income, tax impacts, and economic outcomes to ensure accountability.