Rep. Tippi McCullough

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally recognizes the Mount Saint Mary Academy Belles golf team as the 2025 Class 6A state champions of Arkansas. The document highlights the team's victory, which secured their third consecutive state title, and lists the specific student-athletes and coaching staff involved in the achievement. Upon passage, a copy of the resolution will be presented to the head coach by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally congratulates the Rollin' Razorbacks wheelchair basketball team from Sherwood, Arkansas, on winning their sixth Division II National Wheelchair Basketball Championship. The measure acknowledges the team's victory over the Memorial Rehabilitation Sharks and highlights key details such as the coaching staff, player achievements, and the team's performance throughout the tournament. Upon adoption, a copy of the resolution will be presented to the team's head coach, Jared Johnson, by the Clerk of the House.

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 summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally recognizes the Little Rock Hall High School boys' basketball team as the 2026 Class 4A state champions. It lists the team members, coaches, and support staff involved in their victory and directs the Chief Clerk to present a copy of the resolution to the head coach. The measure does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of the team's achievement.

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 summarySB 526 proposed to prohibit the retail sale of specific disposable vapor products in Arkansas. It defined a "disposable vapor product" as one with a non-detachable battery that cannot be refilled and is designed for disposal after use. The bill would have banned retailers from selling such products if they originated from a "prohibited foreign party." The Director of Arkansas Tobacco Control could seize non-compliant products, with violations being a Class A misdemeanor, although FDA-approved products were exempt. A 90-day grace period was included for businesses to liquidate existing inventory.

Maddy summaryHB 1848 amends Arkansas law concerning child custody and visitation decisions when domestic abuse is involved. It clarifies that courts must consider the effect of proven domestic abuse on a child's best interest, regardless of whether the child was physically injured or witnessed the abuse. The bill establishes a new presumption that it is not in a child's best interest to be placed in the sole custody or care of a parent found to have engaged in a pattern of domestic abuse. This parent would then have the responsibility to prove that granting them custody would not endanger the child. If unsupervised parenting time is still awarded to such a parent, the court must make specific findings about the risk of harm and may order safety conditions or domestic violence intervention programs.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1434, as amended, aims to modify existing law concerning child custody awards between parents when domestic abuse is present. The bill redefines "domestic abuse" for these legal purposes, encompassing physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or certain sexual conduct between family or household members. It adjusts the legal presumption regarding an award of *sole* custody in cases involving domestic abuse. The bill also clarifies how a child's well-being is to be considered during custody determinations under these circumstances.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1635 proposes to establish a grant for the creation of an Arkansas Teaching Veterinarian Hospital at the Little Rock Zoo. The bill allocates funding, to be disbursed by the Department of Finance and Administration, for this project during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This aims to support the development of a facility for both veterinary education and animal care at the zoo.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1738 proposes a sales and use tax exemption for disabled veterans and authorized members of their households in Arkansas. To qualify, a disabled veteran must be certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and submit a letter to the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). This exemption applies to sales of tangible personal property, digital products, and services, with an annual maximum limit of $25,000 per disabled veteran. The DFA would issue exemption cards and establish rules for the program.