Rep. Tara Shephard

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 1004 (HJR 1004) proposes that the state formally requests the United States Congress to call a Convention of the States. The specific purpose of this convention would be to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment would establish term limits for members of the United States Congress, directly affecting those who serve in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 1040, titled "The Water In Line Act of 2025" (which appears inconsistent with its actual content), aimed to amend penalties for misdemeanor offenses related to voting. The bill sought to change legal penalties for voting-related misdemeanors but did not specify the exact nature of these changes in the provided text. It was introduced in the 95th General Assembly (2025), underwent committee review, and ultimately died in committee on May 5, 2025, without becoming law. The bill’s confusing title likely contains an error, as its substance focused solely on voting offense penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 1030 aims to enhance mental health support for students by requiring specific training for school personnel. The bill mandates that School Resource Officers (SROs) and other law enforcement working in schools obtain certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid. It also requires school counselors to receive Youth Mental Health First Aid training. An adopted amendment specifies that the requirement for SROs will be integrated into their existing continuing education hours.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1026, also known as the Arkansas Promise Act, aimed to establish a new state income tax credit. This credit would have been available to individuals who pay tuition for an eligible student attending a public institution of higher education within Arkansas. The bill's mechanism was designed to allow taxpayers to reduce their state income tax liability based on the tuition paid for these students.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution honors the Arkansas Minority Health Commission during American Heart Month in February. It recognizes the Commission's efforts to address heart disease specifically among minority populations in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1880 proposes amendments to Arkansas's Human Life Protection Act and Unborn Child Protection Act. The bill seeks to add new exceptions to the state's abortion prohibitions, allowing the procedure in cases of pregnancies resulting from incest or rape, provided a report has been filed with law enforcement. It also includes an exception for fetal abnormalities incompatible with life. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "medical emergency" to include circumstances where an abortion is necessary to preserve the health of a pregnant woman, not just her life.

Maddy summarySB 632, now Act 964, amends Arkansas's Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require warning labels on certain hair relaxers sold in the state. The bill mandates that hair relaxers containing chemicals identified as carcinogens or reproductive toxicants by recognized health organizations must display a clear, conspicuous warning label. This label, printed in a minimum twelve-point font, will notify consumers that the product contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This act directly affects consumers purchasing hair relaxers and businesses selling these products in Arkansas.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 535 creates a sales and use tax exemption specifically for the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation. This means that these two organizations will not be required to pay sales tax on their purchases of physical goods, digital products, or services. The bill amends existing state code to add this new exemption. This change aims to reduce the tax burden on the museum and its associated foundation.

Maddy summaryHCR 1010 requests a study to identify ways to improve the state's juvenile justice system for youth. This bill aims to examine potential enhancements for how the system serves young people.

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.