Rep. Keith Brooks

Maddy summaryHB 1968 requires auto dealers to collect sales tax at the point of sale when selling new or used motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers. This means customers would pay the tax during the purchase transaction instead of through a different process. The bill also amends a 1958 law related to sales tax collection for vehicle sales. It directly affects dealers (who must collect the tax) and buyers (who pay the tax at the time of purchase).

Maddy summaryHR 1022 is a ceremonial House Resolution welcoming Dr. Brendan Kelly as President of the Arkansas State University System. The resolution formally expresses the House's welcome upon his appointment, citing his professional background and qualifications, but contains no policy changes or binding provisions. It does not affect any individuals or create new laws, as it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition. The resolution was adopted by the Arkansas House of Representatives on April 14, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1745, now Act 604, requires commercial drivers in Arkansas to possess valid U.S. work authorization (such as a work visa or Employment Authorization Document) and demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to read traffic signs, converse with the public, respond to officials, and complete vehicle records. It directly affects commercial motor vehicle operators in Arkansas who must meet these requirements to legally drive. Violations carry fines up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses. The law creates specific offenses for operating without required work authorization or English proficiency.

Maddy summarySB 167 amends the specific deadlines for school districts or public schools to submit requests to transfer between districts. It directly affects school administrators and district officials who must meet these revised submission dates. The bill changes the calendar for when such transfer requests are due but does not alter the requirements or processes for the transfers themselves. This is a procedural adjustment to administrative timelines only.

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 summarySB 324 amends county planning board membership rules to add Representative Brooks as a voting member. This change directly affects county planning boards across the state, requiring them to include this specific representative on their boards. The bill passed on April 3, 2025, and became Act 519 on April 10, 2025, making the membership addition official. As a procedural amendment, it modifies board composition without changing planning policies or regulations.

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 resolution honors D.J. Daniel, a 13-year-old Arkansas resident fighting brain cancer, by naming him an honorary State Capitol Police Officer and designating March 17, 2025, as "D.J. Daniel Day" in Arkansas. It recognizes his public service passion and cancer resilience, following his prior recognition as an honorary U.S. Secret Service agent. The resolution has no binding policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, declaring symbolic support for Daniel and his family. It was adopted by the Arkansas House of Representatives on April 9, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1598 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to create a new school accountability system for public schools, including open-enrollment charter schools. It exempts all public schools from receiving letter grades or ratings for the 2023-2024 school year. Starting in 2024-2025, schools will receive letter grades under this new system, and schools that fail to maintain their grade may request a review by the Department of Public School Accountability. The bill directly affects all public schools in Tennessee by changing how their performance is evaluated and reported.

Maddy summaryHB 1633 modifies eligibility rules for students who transfer schools, removing academic standing requirements that previously barred them from participating in extracurricular activities like sports or clubs immediately after transferring. The bill directly affects transfer students in Arkansas public schools, ensuring they can join activities without waiting periods tied to prior academic performance. It declares an emergency to expedite the law's implementation, making the policy change effective immediately upon enactment. The bill became Act 475 on April 8, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.