Rep. Keith Brooks

Maddy summaryHB 1512, now Act 341, prohibits Arkansas public schools and charter schools from granting excused absences for "political protest." It allows excused absences for student "social or public policy advocacy" or "influencing legislation" only with parental consent. Schools must annually report the number of such absences and their purposes to the education division. The law directly affects public school students, parents, and school administrators by changing absence policies for non-academic activities.

Maddy summaryHR 1065 is a resolution recognizing the Joe T. Robinson High School Senators boys' swim team as the 2025 Class 1A-4A state champions. The resolution, adopted by the Arkansas House of Representatives on March 17, 2025, formally acknowledges the team's achievement as the first-year program to win the state championship with 292 total points. It directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to head coach Jackie Bracey by the House Chief Clerk, honoring the team's athletic success and academic accomplishments. This is a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or financial implications, solely celebrating the team's championship victory.

Maddy summaryHR 1064 is a commemorative House Resolution recognizing Scottie Pippen and the University of Central Arkansas for his achievements and contributions. It formally honors Pippen's basketball career, his Arkansas roots, and his community impact through a series of factual "whereas" statements detailing his NBA success, Olympic medals, and ties to UCA. The resolution does not create new policies, allocate funds, or affect any group through legislative action. It was passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives on March 6, 2025, as a ceremonial gesture.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives expressing support for President Trump's nomination of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel. It has no legal effect but urges swift confirmation to strengthen U.S.-Israel relations, citing Huckabee's experience, pro-Israel advocacy, and religious ties. The resolution was adopted unanimously and transmitted to the President and Senate for consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 (now Act 238) amends Arkansas criminal law to establish a new offense for "unlawful squattering." The bill makes it a criminal violation for a person to occupy property without the owner's permission, specifically targeting individuals who enter or remain on property after being asked to leave. This directly affects individuals occupying vacant or abandoned properties without legal right, such as vacant homes or land. The key provision creates a specific criminal charge (likely a misdemeanor) for this conduct, distinct from general trespass laws, and specifies that the offense applies after the owner or their agent has issued a verbal or written demand to vacate.

Maddy summarySB 59 requires all public schools to provide one free breakfast daily to every student upon request, without checking if they qualify for federally funded free or reduced-price meals. This policy directly affects all public school students in the state, eliminating eligibility barriers for breakfast access. The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon enactment. It changes school meal procedures by mandating universal breakfast availability as a standard practice, not tied to existing federal program eligibility. The bill became law as Act 123 on February 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 89 requires Arkansas school districts to post agendas for all school board meetings - including regular, special, and emergency sessions - online at least two hours before the meeting begins. It also mandates that districts provide the names and email addresses of all board members through their electronic platforms. This bill directly affects school districts by updating their public posting requirements and enhances transparency for residents seeking meeting information. The changes apply to all school board meetings, ensuring timely access to agendas and board member contact details for the public.

Maddy summaryHB 1204 (now Act 28) amends Arkansas law to clarify that plaintiffs in medical negligence cases can only recover the actual costs they paid for necessary medical care, treatment, or services - or costs legally owed by them or a third party. It directly affects individuals filing medical malpractice claims and healthcare providers by limiting recoverable damages to amounts actually paid or legally responsible. The key provision changes the standard for medical cost recovery from billed rates to verified payments, preventing recovery of unpaid or inflated charges. This law, enacted on February 11, 2025, provides a clearer financial framework for medical negligence claims in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing Lorie Tudor for her 41-year career with the Arkansas Department of Transportation. It formally acknowledges her service to the state but contains no policy changes or funding provisions. The resolution has no direct impact on citizens, laws, or government operations - it serves only as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. No voting record is relevant, as it does not advance legislation.