Rep. Brit McKenzie

Maddy summarySB 226 amends Arkansas' Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act to require school district coaches and similar staff (athletics coaches, teacher coaches, volunteers) to maintain current CPR/AED certification from recognized organizations like the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, in addition to completing every three years a training program on sudden cardiac arrest conditions. The law directly affects school coaches and staff in Arkansas public schools, mandating this certification as part of their professional development requirements. It also allows training programs to include guidance for coaches to educate parents about sports safety. The bill, now Act 247, focuses on strengthening cardiac emergency preparedness in school athletic settings through concrete certification and training standards.

Maddy summarySB 142, now Act 122, bans students from possessing or using personal electronic devices (like phones) during the entire school day, directly affecting public school students. The law requires schools to update discipline policies to include specific exemptions: devices issued by the school for educational use, special events (defined by future rules), and devices needed for students with special education plans or concurrent enrollment college courses. It replaces prior rules with these clear exemptions while maintaining the overall "bell to bell" device ban. The bill passed in February 2025 and became law without additional committee action.

Maddy summaryHB 1048 (now Act 125) allows small-scale dairy farmers to sell unpasteurized goat, sheep, and whole milk directly to consumers beyond just on their farm. The law clarifies that incidental sales - such as at farmer's markets or via farm delivery - no longer require the milk to be sold solely on the premises where it's produced. This directly affects farmers who produce raw milk and consumers who purchase it, removing previous restrictions on sales locations. The bill also permits advertising these sales, making the process more flexible for small producers. The change became effective February 20, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

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 resolution recognizes National School Choice Week (observed annually January 26-February 1) to highlight educational options in Arkansas. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups but symbolically supports Arkansas' emphasis on parental choice in education, referencing the state's LEARNS Act. The resolution was adopted by the Arkansas House of Representatives on January 30, 2025, as a commemorative gesture. It aligns with broader state messaging about "student-first" education but has no binding effect on schools or funding.

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 summaryThis House resolution urges registered Arkansas voters to oppose a proposed state constitutional amendment titled the "Educational Rights Amendment of 2024." The bill does not change any laws or policies itself but serves as an official statement of opposition from the House of Representatives. It argues that the amendment would increase taxes, create new welfare programs without work requirements, and harm existing education initiatives like the LEARNS Act. The resolution encourages citizens to vote against the amendment during the upcoming election cycle.