Rep. Tara Shephard

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Concurrent Memorial Resolution that honors the life and legacy of Bishop Kenneth Lydell Robinson Sr., who passed away in April 2026. The resolution formally recognizes his significant contributions to Arkansas, including his fifty years of ministry, his role as a founding father of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, and his work as a musician, radio host, and businessman. It does not change any laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge his achievements and impact on the state and his local community. Upon passage, the legislature will provide a copy of the resolution to Bishop Robinson's family.

Maddy summarySB 526 proposed to prohibit the retail sale of specific disposable vapor products in Arkansas. It defined a "disposable vapor product" as one with a non-detachable battery that cannot be refilled and is designed for disposal after use. The bill would have banned retailers from selling such products if they originated from a "prohibited foreign party." The Director of Arkansas Tobacco Control could seize non-compliant products, with violations being a Class A misdemeanor, although FDA-approved products were exempt. A 90-day grace period was included for businesses to liquidate existing inventory.

Maddy summarySCR 3 is a concurrent resolution urging the Arkansas congressional delegation to propose an amendment to the Federal Unemployment Tax Act. The proposed amendment would waive the "reasonable assurance" clause, which currently prevents hourly nine-month employees of educational institutions from receiving unemployment benefits during the summer months. This change would allow these employees, including bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and paraprofessionals, to be eligible for such benefits.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 2 (SCR 2) is a resolution that affirms the State of Arkansas's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles. It expresses the belief that DEI is essential for all individuals to achieve the American Dream and encourages policymakers, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations to adopt and uphold these principles.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1042 proposes to create the "Direct Democracy Act of 2025" in Arkansas. This bill would repeal the "Ensuring Access for All Arkansans and Voter Protection Act of 2023." Additionally, it would amend the current procedures for filing ballot initiative petitions and referendum petitions, affecting how citizens can propose or challenge laws through direct vote.

Maddy summaryHJR 1002 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution. This amendment aims to repeal the existing exception that currently permits slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime. If adopted, it would remove this specific allowance from the state's constitution, ensuring a complete prohibition of slavery and involuntary servitude for all individuals in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryHB 1035, titled the "Online Voter Registration Act of 2025," sought to establish a system allowing individuals to register to vote online. This bill aimed to amend Amendment 51 of the Arkansas Constitution to permit online voter registration. It also proposed changes to the duties of the Secretary of State to incorporate and manage this new registration method. If passed, this would have provided Arkansas voters with an additional, online option for voter registration.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1008 proposes to extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers. If enacted, the bill would require Medicaid to cover eligible mothers for a full year after they give birth. This change would provide extended healthcare access to individuals in the postpartum period.

Maddy summaryHB 1755 mandates that all public schools in Arkansas administer the Arkansas Prevention Needs Assessment Survey annually, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. This survey, targeting students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12, aims to gather data on issues such as substance use, mental health, and violence to help schools and communities improve student well-being. The Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health will maintain the survey and provide technical assistance to schools. Parents and legal guardians must be notified before the survey is administered and have the option to opt their child out. The requirement for schools to administer the survey is contingent on the availability of federal funding.

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.