Rep. Tippi McCullough

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1626, as amended, aimed to prohibit the sale of certain disposable vapor products. The bill's central provision was to ban the sale of disposable vapor products that originate from a "prohibited foreign party," a term defined by referencing an existing legal statute (§ 18-11-802). This measure would have directly impacted retailers selling vapor products and consumers who purchase them. The bill did not pass and died in committee.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1431 amends the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991 in Arkansas. It expands the definition of "domestic abuse" to include patterns of behavior described as "course of control" or "disturbing the peace." The bill also defines "disturbing the peace" as a pattern of behavior that unreasonably destroys the mental or emotional calm of a family or household

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1539 proposes to amend the Public School Funding Act of 2003 in Arkansas. The bill aims to increase per-student foundation funding for public schools, as well as specific funding for alternative learning environment students and English learners for the 2025-2027 school years. A key provision is the creation of a new, dedicated categorical funding stream for special education, ensuring these funds are specifically allocated and spent on special education services. This change intends to address the underfunding of special education by allocating funds based on the number of students with special needs.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1999 would require the Secretary of the Department of Education to provide information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to certain students. Specifically, students who submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a negative or zero student aid index would receive written and electronic details. This information would cover their potential eligibility for SNAP, the application process, and how to contact the Department of Human Services. The Department of Education would consult with the Department of Human Services to create these communications.

Maddy summaryHB 1699 proposed to expand the state's existing sales tax holiday. If enacted, it would have allowed consumers to purchase firearm safety devices and firearm storage devices without paying sales tax during the designated holiday period. This measure aimed to make these specific items, intended for secure firearm storage, temporarily more affordable for individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 1430 aims to update definitions within Arkansas's Domestic Abuse Act of 1991. The bill clarifies "course of control" as a pattern of behavior between family or household members that interferes with a person's free will and personal liberty. It also expands the definition of "disturbing the peace" to include specific actions such as exhibiting course of control, stalking, repeated threats, criminal impersonation, various forms of harassment, destroying personal property, and criminal trespass. These changes directly affect how domestic abuse is legally defined and addressed for individuals within family or household relationships.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1880 proposes amendments to Arkansas's Human Life Protection Act and Unborn Child Protection Act. The bill seeks to add new exceptions to the state's abortion prohibitions, allowing the procedure in cases of pregnancies resulting from incest or rape, provided a report has been filed with law enforcement. It also includes an exception for fetal abnormalities incompatible with life. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "medical emergency" to include circumstances where an abortion is necessary to preserve the health of a pregnant woman, not just her life.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 599, now Act 744, aims to eliminate interlocutory decrees of adoption and amend the Revised Uniform Adoption Act in Arkansas. This bill directly affects individuals and families involved in the adoption process by changing the legal procedures. While the bill's intent is to streamline the adoption framework, the provided text does not detail the specific mechanisms or provisions for how these changes are implemented within the act.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 535 creates a sales and use tax exemption specifically for the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation. This means that these two organizations will not be required to pay sales tax on their purchases of physical goods, digital products, or services. The bill amends existing state code to add this new exemption. This change aims to reduce the tax burden on the museum and its associated foundation.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1681 establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program. This program provides grants to local entities to help fund improvements and upgrades to their water and sewer treatment infrastructure. The grants will be supported by revenues authorized by law. The program is set to expire five years after its effective date, and the administering commission is required to report annually on the status of all awarded grants.