Rep. Keith Brooks

Maddy summarySenate Bill 371 establishes a new, standardized system in Arkansas to aid in the search for missing children. This system is specifically designed for cases where a child does not meet the criteria for activating an Arkansas Amber Alert. While the provided text does not detail the specific mechanisms of this new system, its aim is to provide additional resources for locating children in these particular situations.

Maddy summarySB 425, now Act 722, generally concerns enhanced transportation within Arkansas. The bill amends various provisions of the Arkansas Code related to this topic and includes an emergency clause for immediate effect. One amendment to the bill specifically adjusted a dollar amount from $87,321.01 to $87,231.01. Based on the provided text, further details about the specific policy changes and who is directly affected are not available.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 183, now Act 724, amends the Universal ACT Assessment Program Act, expanding the types of assessments public schools may provide to students. It redefines "Assessment" to include tests like the ACT, SAT, CLT, and various preliminary tests such as the PreACT and PSAT. Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, public schools must offer students a choice of one preliminary assessment in grades 9 or 10, and a choice of the ACT, SAT, or CLT in grade 11, at no charge. Additionally, the bill requires public schools to offer the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) upon a student's request.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 352 prohibits antisemitism in public elementary and secondary schools. It also extends this prohibition to state-supported institutions of higher education. The bill establishes a standard for conduct within these educational environments, directly affecting students, faculty, and staff. This legislation aims to prevent and address antisemitic acts or expressions within these institutions.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1529 creates a new criminal offense and a civil cause of action related to "deepfake visual material." It makes it illegal to unlawfully create or distribute such material, directly affecting individuals involved in these actions. Additionally, the bill allows individuals who are victims of unlawfully created deepfake visual material to file a lawsuit to seek compensation. This legislation provides both criminal penalties and a civil remedy for the misuse of deepfake technology.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1680, now Act 811, restricts certain foreign entities from acquiring interests in land. It prohibits businesses controlled by a "foreign party" from leasing land. The bill also prevents "prohibited foreign parties" from holding an interest in real property or agricultural land under specific circumstances. An amendment clarifies that an individual is not considered a "prohibited foreign party" if they are also a citizen of the United States.

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.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1964 reorganizes state oversight for child welfare and juvenile justice. The bill moves the Child Welfare Ombudsman Division and the Juvenile Ombudsman Division into the Department of Inspector General. These divisions, which advocate for children and juveniles in state custody or receiving welfare services, will be collectively renamed the Division of Ombudsmen and operate as distinct offices within this new department. The legislation centralizes these oversight functions and includes an emergency clause for immediate effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HB 1833, amends the law concerning admissions at the University of Arkansas College of Medicine. The provided text, Amendment No. 1, modifies specific conditions related to the number of qualified applicants. It specifies that certain admission provisions apply only if fewer than twenty-five applicants from a congressional district, or fewer than twenty-five Arkansas residents, meet published admissions standards and accept an offer. This directly affects prospective medical students and the College of Medicine's admissions process by setting thresholds for geographic and residency-based considerations.

Maddy summaryHB 1786 establishes eligibility for a tuition benefit for soldiers and airmen serving in the Arkansas National Guard. This benefit allows these service members to attend specific private two-year and four-year colleges and universities. The bill aims to expand educational opportunities for Arkansas National Guard members by providing financial assistance for their higher education at these institutions.