Rep. Brandon Achor

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 summaryHB 1961 would allow medical providers in Arkansas to temporarily withhold a patient's medical records for up to 30 days from the patient or their authorized representative. This is permitted if the provider reasonably believes immediate disclosure could negatively affect the patient's health or safety due to misinterpretation, requires time to review the information to prepare a treatment plan, and schedules a timely discussion with the patient. The temporary withholding must be for the minimum necessary period and ceases once the discussion occurs or the risk is no longer present. After this period, all applicable federal and state information-blocking laws apply, and the records must be released promptly.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 507 aimed to require the Arkansas Medicaid Program to cover Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for specific beneficiaries. It would have provided ABA coverage for individuals over 21 years old who have an autism diagnosis, participate in the Community and Employment Services Waiver, and have a medical necessity determination from a physician. The bill specified that these services should be delivered based on individual needs, including one-on-one sessions at home and in the community, by qualified professionals. It also stated that ABA services should not be limited to group or clinical settings.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 221 (SB 221) aims to prohibit specific contracting practices by risk-based provider organizations when they negotiate with direct healthcare service providers in Arkansas. The bill prevents these organizations from using "tying" tactics, which involve requiring a provider to contract for multiple services if they only agree to one, or penalizing them for declining certain services. It also prohibits discrimination against providers who refuse such terms. Violations of these provisions would be considered unfair trade practices, and any problematic contract clauses would be voided. The bill seeks to ensure fair negotiation for providers and protect access to healthcare for Medicaid beneficiaries, especially individuals with disabilities.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1442 aims to regulate pharmacy contracting practices and address potential conflicts of interest within the pharmaceutical industry. It seeks to establish greater patient freedom in choosing their pharmacy for prescriptions. The bill sets restrictions on how pharmacies enter contracts and intends to prevent situations where financial interests might compromise patient choice. Additionally, it grants a regulatory board the authority to issue temporary exemptions to these restrictions for specific drugs or to protect public health, and to develop rules for these exemptions.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 524 proposes making the operation of an illegal online casino or sports betting a felony offense in Arkansas. The bill creates the "Interactive Gaming Act," which expands the legal definition of interactive gaming to include online casino games and "name, image, or likeness" (NIL) drawing games. Under this Act, licensed casinos would be permitted to operate approved interactive gaming systems, subject to oversight and standards set by the Arkansas Racing Commission. This establishes a regulatory framework for certain forms of online gambling while criminalizing unlicensed operations.

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 summaryBased on the provided title and subtitle, Senate Bill 605 aimed to establish the Delta Tetrahydrocannabinol Excise Tax Act. The bill's purpose was to impose a new excise tax on products containing delta tetrahydrocannabinol. This would directly affect consumers and businesses involved in the sale of these products.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 593 seeks to regulate Pharmacy Services Administrative Organizations (PSAOs) and amend provisions related to Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) within Arkansas. The bill requires PSAOs to register with the State Insurance Department and submit annual reports detailing their contracts with pharmacies and PBMs. It also mandates that PSAOs disclose any ownership ties to drug manufacturers or retailers. Additionally, PBMs would be required to offer Arkansas-specific amendments to their national contracts with PSAOs to ensure compliance with state laws.