Rep. David Ray

Maddy summaryHB 1001 reduces income tax rates for Arkansas residents, including individuals, trusts, estates, and both domestic and foreign corporations. For individuals, the bill establishes a progressive tax structure with rates ranging from 0% to 3.7% for income up to $94,700, while providing a specific tax credit for income between $94,701 and $97,600. Corporations see their tax brackets adjusted starting in 2027, with rates increasing from 1% to 4.1% on net income exceeding $11,000. The legislation also includes provisions for annual adjustments to the individual tax tables to account for inflation or other economic factors.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Arkansas homestead property tax credit for property owners, raising the annual reduction in real property taxes from $600 to $675. The change applies to assessment years starting on or after January 1, 2026, directly benefiting homeowners who qualify for the credit. By amending the state code, the legislation provides a slightly larger tax relief amount for eligible residents without altering other tax provisions.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 569 proposed an amendment to Article 5, Section 1 of the Arkansas Constitution, concerning the ballot titles of proposed measures. This bill would require all ballot titles for statewide, county, and municipal measures to be readable, clear, concise, and not exceed 500 words. This change would directly affect petitioners who submit proposed measures and the election boards responsible for placing these titles on the ballot. The General Assembly would also be authorized to enact laws establishing specific standards for title readability.

Maddy summarySJR 18, "THE CITIZENS ONLY VOTING AMENDMENT," proposed an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution. This amendment would explicitly state that only a citizen of the United States, meeting other established qualifications like age and residency, may vote in any state or local election in Arkansas. It would prohibit individuals who do not meet these qualifications from voting in state or local elections. The bill also included existing provisions requiring voters to present valid photographic identification when casting a ballot.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1534 proposes to increase the existing homestead property tax credit. This bill directly affects homeowners by reducing the amount of property taxes they owe on their primary residence. The key mechanism is an adjustment to the credit amount, providing a larger tax reduction for eligible households.

Maddy summaryHB 1180, also known as the "Baby Olivia Act," mandates specific video content for human fetal growth and development discussions. These discussions must include a high-definition ultrasound video showing early fetal organ development. Additionally, a video at least three minutes long depicting fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus until birth is required. The bill tasks the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education with approving a list of these videos, specifically mentioning the "Meet Baby Olivia" video. This legislation would affect the content of educational discussions on fetal development and the responsibilities of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 204 proposes to exempt certain financial gains from state gross income for tax purposes. This exemption would apply to taxpayers whose property is acquired by a government or entity under the right of eminent domain or the threat of condemnation. Essentially, any profit a property owner makes from such a forced sale would not be considered taxable income under this bill.

Maddy summaryHJR 1016 would remove a provision allowing petition sponsors to fix errors in initiative or referendum petitions after state officials (like the Secretary of State) declare them incomplete. Currently, sponsors can correct petitions if they have at least 75% of required signatures statewide and from 15 counties. This bill would eliminate that correction window, requiring petitions to be complete on first submission. It directly affects groups gathering signatures for ballot measures in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1553 proposes to repeal the current prohibition on the sale and distribution of novelty lighters in Arkansas. The existing law bans lighters that feature entertaining audio or visual elements, or resemble items appealing to children, such as cartoon characters, toys, or food. If enacted, this bill would remove the statewide ban, allowing retailers and distributors to sell or give away these types of lighters. This change would directly affect businesses that sell lighters and consumers interested in purchasing novelty lighters.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1650 was an appropriation bill that would have provided $1,000,000 to the Arkansas Department of Education. These funds were specifically designated for the Adult Diploma Program within the Division of Career and Technical Education for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill aimed to support the program's expenses, directly affecting adults seeking to earn a high school diploma through this initiative. Disbursement of these funds would have been subject to existing state fiscal control laws and procedures.