Maddy summaryHB 1821 creates a single State Captive Insurance Program to replace fragmented property insurance systems for public schools, state-supported colleges/universities, and state-owned properties in Arkansas. It combines these entities under one program, prohibits the use of public adjusting firms (which the bill states increased premiums), and requires independent reappraisals of higher education properties to ensure proper valuation. The bill also establishes the Office of Property Risk within the Department of Transformation and Shared Services to manage the program and mandates coordination among state agencies for a smooth transition. These changes aim to stabilize insurance costs and improve market competitiveness for these public entities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1467, now Act 557, amends the Uniform Money Services Act. The bill's text provided focuses solely on adding Representative McCollum as a cosponsor (via Amendment No. 1), not on substantive policy changes to the act. It does not describe specific provisions, mechanisms, or direct effects on businesses or consumers. The bill was enacted on April 14, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers. (Note: The provided context lacks details on the actual policy amendments to the Uniform Money Services Act.)
Maddy summarySB 148, now Act 587, creates a voluntary option for early childhood workers in Arkansas to join the state teacher retirement system. It defines "early childhood workers" as those employed in licensed childcare facilities providing teaching or supervision under specific state laws, including those receiving state or federal funding. The bill establishes a process where a nonprofit fiscal agent can facilitate participation, but it explicitly states no state funds will be used for contributions or matching for these workers. Participation is entirely optional for both workers and facilities, with no new state financial obligations.
Maddy summarySB 463 requires Arkansas public utilities to obtain approval from the Arkansas Public Service Commission before entering settlement agreements that would close or eliminate power plants or transmission assets. The bill directly affects utilities, the Commission, and consumers by mandating that settlements must legally resolve claims, not exceed regulatory costs, and avoid decisions driven by environmental goals rather than law. The Commission must evaluate whether proposed settlements are legally sound, cost-justified for consumers, and based on reasonable legal interpretations before approving or denying them. This creates a new review process to ensure settlements protect consumer interests and comply with state regulations. The bill does not change existing utility operations but adds oversight for specific settlement agreements.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 29, 2025, as Vietnam War Veterans Day and March 2025 as Vietnam Era Veterans Month in Arkansas. It formally recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of Vietnam War veterans through state-level ceremonial observance. The resolution does not create new laws, programs, or benefits - it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. It affects Arkansas residents by establishing official dates for state-level recognition of veterans' service.
Maddy summaryHB 1303 (now Act 546) creates a state income tax credit for businesses producing sustainable aviation fuel in Arkansas. The credit allows eligible producers to reduce their state income tax liability by up to the full amount of tax they owe in a given year. It directly affects aviation fuel producers who meet the bill's sustainability criteria, providing financial incentive to develop and use cleaner fuel alternatives. The law, enacted April 10, 2025, establishes this credit as part of Arkansas' efforts to support sustainable energy infrastructure.
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 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 401 amends Arkansas' Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act by creating exceptions to the standard "one call" notification requirement before excavation. It directly affects excavators, including farmers, cemetery operators, and maintenance crews, by exempting specific activities from calling the One Call Center. Key provisions allow agricultural work (like postholes or farm ponds), use of specialized equipment (e.g., water/air vacuums), cemetery grave openings, and shallow hand-tool work (under 12 inches deep) without prior notification. The bill focuses on streamlining routine operations while maintaining safety for underground utilities.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 1059) formally commends the Maumelle Charter High School Falcons boys' cross country team for winning the 2024 Class 3A State Championship. The resolution recognizes their victory with a team score of 56, three top-ten individual finishes, four All-State honorees, and specific athlete placements, and directs that a copy be presented to their head coach, Dalton Diles. As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact beyond ceremonial recognition.