Rep. Joy Springer

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives to formally commend Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., on its 118th anniversary. It recognizes the fraternity's history as the first intercollegiate Black Greek-letter organization, founded in 1906, and its community service across Arkansas and globally. The resolution specifically honors its leadership, academic focus, and contributions to civil rights and community programs. It does not create new laws or affect funding, but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summarySCR 4 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing former Arkansas State Representative and Senator Joyce Elliott during Black History Month for her legislative service. It honors her 23-year career in the Arkansas legislature (2000-2023), her focus on education policy, and her founding of the civic engagement nonprofit Get Loud Arkansas. The resolution has no binding effect - it simply acknowledges her contributions through a formal commendation presented to her. This is a procedural recognition, not a policy change, and was approved by both chambers and the Governor in March 2025.

Maddy summarySB 101 establishes the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, allowing physician assistants licensed in Arkansas to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. This directly affects physician assistants seeking to practice across state lines and healthcare facilities in Arkansas and other compact states. The key provision creates a mutual recognition agreement among participating states, streamlining licensure requirements for physician assistants. The bill was enacted as Act 300 on March 18, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 263 (now Act 330) increases the amount of the homestead property tax credit available to Arkansas homeowners. This policy change directly benefits qualifying homeowners who own and occupy their primary residence, reducing their annual property tax bill. The bill amends the existing tax credit structure to provide a higher dollar amount for eligible taxpayers. It became law after passing the Arkansas legislature and being delivered to the Governor on March 13, 2025. The change represents a concrete adjustment to tax relief for qualified homeowners without altering eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1082 would create Arkansas' first law specifically protecting children and teens' online privacy. It directly affects websites, apps, and online services that target minors or knowingly collect their personal information. The bill prohibits these operators from sharing children's data with third parties for targeted advertising to minors and requires them to disclose how they collect, use, and share personal data. Key provisions include banning the use of children's personal information for targeted ads and mandating clear privacy disclosures about data practices to parents or guardians.

Maddy summaryHB 1083, the Arkansas Kids Online Safety Act, defines "covered internet services" to protect minors online by excluding certain platforms from its scope. The bill exempts services that solely route internet traffic and interactive gaming platforms complying with federal children's privacy laws (COPPA) as of January 1, 2025. It directly affects internet service providers and digital platforms operating in Arkansas, requiring them to adhere to the defined safety framework for minors. Key provisions clarify which services fall under the law, focusing on protecting children while excluding specific exempted technologies. The bill was withdrawn by its author on March 11, 2025, before final passage.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1069) formally recognizes Women’s History Month in March 2025 and International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, through the Arkansas House of Representatives. It also specifically acknowledges the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas for its work improving economic mobility for women and girls in the state. The resolution has no binding policy requirements - it is a symbolic gesture of recognition, not a law creating new programs or funding. It was adopted by the Arkansas House on March 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1368 amends the list of musicians honored on Arkansas Music Appreciation Day by adding specific names to the official roster. The bill directly affects the state's commemorative designation for music professionals recognized annually. It is a procedural update to the existing holiday framework, not a policy change with broader implications. The bill became law as Act 203 on February 27, 2025, after passing both chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 1034 is a funding bill that appropriates capital improvement funds for the Department of Human Services' Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for fiscal year 2025-2026. It provides state resources for physical infrastructure projects like building repairs, renovations, or facility upgrades within these specific service divisions. The bill was introduced in the 95th General Assembly, passed committee with an added cosponsor, but was withdrawn by the author on February 26, 2025. As a purely fiscal measure, it does not create new policies or directly affect residents, but authorizes spending for facility maintenance.

Maddy summaryHMR 1003 is a memorial resolution honoring John W. Walker, Sr., a civil rights attorney and former Arkansas state representative, for his lifelong advocacy against discrimination and service to the state. It formally recognizes his work in desegregating schools, challenging racial discrimination in courts, and co-founding one of the first racially integrated law firms in the South. The resolution directs that a copy be presented to his family following its adoption by the Arkansas House of Representatives. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, but commemorates Walker's legacy through official remembrance.