Rep. David Ray

Maddy summaryHB 1075 prohibits local governments (like cities or counties) from regulating the sale or use of lawn care devices (such as leaf blowers or lawn mowers) or imposing taxes or fees on them. The law specifically bans local sales and use taxes on these devices but allows governments to enforce noise ordinances or purchase devices using specific energy sources. This bill, now Act 146, took effect February 25, 2025, after passing the Arkansas legislature. It directly affects homeowners, landscapers, and local governments by preventing localized restrictions on common lawn equipment.

Maddy summaryHB 1223 allows judicial appointees running for election to the Arkansas Supreme Court or Court of Appeals to use their current title (e.g., "Justice" or "Judge") as a prefix on the ballot. It applies only to candidates currently serving in those positions as appointees who have held the role for at least 12 months. The bill amends ballot rules to permit this title prefix in nonpartisan judicial elections, clarifying that it does not apply to other judicial offices like circuit or district judges. This change affects how appointees seeking election to these specific courts appear on ballots.

Maddy summaryHB 1324 changes Arkansas' legal fireworks sales schedule by moving the start date of the summer sales window from June 20 to June 13 each year. The bill directly affects Arkansas residents who purchase or use fireworks, allowing retail sales from June 13-July 10 annually (instead of June 20-July 10) alongside the existing December 10-January 5 holiday window. This amendment modifies Arkansas Code § 20-22-711(a)(1) to adjust the permissible sales period without altering other provisions. The change applies to all retail sales of fireworks defined under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 1074 modifies Arkansas' Property Tax Relief Trust Fund by requiring a 3/4 vote in both the House and Senate to use fund money for anything other than property tax relief. The bill specifically amends the fund's usage rules to prevent diversion of funds without supermajority legislative approval. This directly affects state legislators who would need to secure a 3/4 vote in each chamber to redirect funds from their intended purpose. The policy change ensures that property tax relief funding remains protected unless explicitly approved by a higher threshold of lawmakers. The bill was enacted as Act 121 on February 18, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1204 (now Act 28) amends Arkansas law to clarify that plaintiffs in medical negligence cases can only recover the actual costs they paid for necessary medical care, treatment, or services - or costs legally owed by them or a third party. It directly affects individuals filing medical malpractice claims and healthcare providers by limiting recoverable damages to amounts actually paid or legally responsible. The key provision changes the standard for medical cost recovery from billed rates to verified payments, preventing recovery of unpaid or inflated charges. This law, enacted on February 11, 2025, provides a clearer financial framework for medical negligence claims in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) adopted by the Arkansas House of Representatives. It formally recognizes February 7-14, 2025, as "National Marriage Week" within Arkansas. The resolution expresses the House's view that marriage benefits society, citing research on its positive impacts, but does not create new policies or affect any individuals or programs. It serves as a statement of support for marriage as a societal institution.

Maddy summaryHB 1005 expands tuition waiver eligibility for Arkansas National Guard soldiers and airmen to include vocational training programs leading to a postsecondary certificate or credential, not just degree programs. It directly affects eligible Arkansas National Guard members who wish to pursue shorter-term career-focused education instead of traditional four-year degrees. The key change modifies eligibility requirements to explicitly include "postsecondary credential or certificate" programs under the existing tuition-free education benefit. This policy change, enacted as Act 14 on February 3, 2025, ensures Guard members can access free tuition for vocational certifications at state-supported colleges.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing Lorie Tudor for her 41-year career with the Arkansas Department of Transportation. It formally acknowledges her service to the state but contains no policy changes or funding provisions. The resolution has no direct impact on citizens, laws, or government operations - it serves only as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. No voting record is relevant, as it does not advance legislation.

Maddy summaryHCR 1002 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Arkansas General Assembly urging the U.S. Congress to permanently extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA). It does not change tax law but requests Congress extend the TCJA's provisions, including individual income tax cuts and the 21% corporate tax rate, which are set to expire at the end of 2025. The resolution cites economic claims from the TCJA era (like lower unemployment and income growth) as justification but makes no policy changes itself. Arkansas lawmakers are formally advocating for Congress to make these tax cuts permanent through legislative action.