Rep. Brit McKenzie

Maddy summaryHB 1636 would phase out Arkansas' soft drink tax by gradually eliminating it based on sales tax collections from soft drink sales. The bill proposed replacing the current tax with a system tied directly to existing sales tax data, ensuring a smooth transition. This change would directly affect soft drink retailers (who collect the tax) and consumers (who pay it). The legislation aimed to replace an outdated tax structure with one aligned to current sales tax reporting practices.

Maddy summarySB 365 amends Arkansas law to allow small breweries with a valid license to operate up to three taprooms, increasing the previous limit of two. This directly affects Arkansas small breweries holding a small brewery license, enabling them to expand their retail locations. The bill modifies Arkansas Code § 3-5-1405(a)(8) to replace the "two (2)" taproom limit with "three (3)." The law was enacted as Act 488 on April 9, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1561) is a technical amendment to remove all references to "the State of Qatar" from existing state laws. It deletes phrases like "or the State of Qatar" or "from the State of Qatar" from 17 different sections of the code, correcting outdated or erroneous text. The bill does not create new policies, affect any individuals or groups, or change legal requirements. It was passed by both chambers and became law as Act 473 on April 8, 2025, solely to update legal references.

Maddy summarySB 91 prevents local governments (like cities or counties) from setting limits on rental application fees or security deposits for private residential or commercial properties. It directly affects landlords who set these fees and renters who pay them by removing local regulatory authority. The bill amends existing law to state that local units have no power to control these specific charges, except as outlined in a separate provision (§18-16-304). This means landlords can set these fees without local government oversight, and the policy change applies to all private rental properties covered by the law.

Maddy summaryHJR 1006 is a proposed constitutional amendment (not enacted legislation) that would prohibit Arkansas governmental bodies (including state agencies, counties, cities, and school districts) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay for lobbying services on their behalf. It specifically bans using state or local funds to contract with lobbyists, cover membership dues for lobbying organizations, or pay for lobbying activities through third parties. The amendment defines "lobbying" broadly as efforts to influence legislative or administrative actions and clarifies that governments may still hire staff directly for lobbying (without using public funds for external lobbyist contracts). The measure was introduced in January 2025 but withdrawn by its author on April 3, 2025, and never advanced to a vote.

Maddy summaryHB 1867, a withdrawn bill (filed March 20, 2025; withdrawn April 3, 2025), proposed to establish the "No Government Trespassing Act" in Arkansas. It would have prohibited game wardens from entering private land without a warrant or the landowner's permission, except in emergencies like injured wildlife or public safety threats. The bill included penalties for violations, such as making illegally obtained evidence inadmissible and allowing landowners to sue for damages. It directly affected private landowners and game wardens by changing entry rules and legal accountability. As the bill was withdrawn, it did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 409 prohibits financial services providers from refusing to do business with or terminating relationships with agricultural producers solely based on their status as such. It defines "agricultural producer" to include those growing crops, raising animals, or producing livestock/dairy products. The bill requires Arkansas' Treasurer to publish a list of financial providers found to discriminate against agricultural producers, after giving them 45 days' notice and a 30-day window to prove they are not discriminating. This list will be posted online, with the process involving an ESG Oversight Committee and requiring agricultural producers to consent to sharing financial data if they report discrimination.

Maddy summarySB 317 prohibits Arkansas public institutions of higher education from engaging in specific activities with "prohibited foreign parties." It directly affects universities and colleges receiving state funding by banning them from conducting agricultural research under contract or selling agricultural products (including seeds) with such entities. The bill defines "prohibited foreign parties" but does not specify which entities qualify. This policy change restricts certain financial and research transactions between Arkansas colleges and designated foreign entities, without altering broader academic collaboration rules. The bill passed as Act 351 on March 20, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 307, now Act 373, creates the "Generating Arkansas Jobs Act of 2025" to support energy infrastructure investments. It requires the Arkansas Public Service Commission to consider strategic investments in natural gas and electric generation when setting utility rates, allowing companies to recover costs for approved projects. The bill mandates refunds to customers for imprudently incurred costs and sets new requirements for utility infrastructure projects to ensure grid reliability during extreme weather. It directly affects investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities operating in Arkansas by changing how they recover infrastructure costs through rate cases. The legislation declares an emergency to expedite these energy infrastructure developments.

Maddy summaryHB 1503 prohibits local governments from imposing certain restrictions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), such as secondary housing units on residential property. The bill specifically blocks municipalities from banning ADUs entirely or setting fees exceeding $250 for their approval. It also invalidates local rules conflicting with this provision and requires water/sewer system approvals or health department clearance for ADU construction. This law directly affects homeowners, developers, and city planners by expanding opportunities to build small secondary homes on existing residential lots.