Rep. Tara Shephard

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1782, now Act 642, prohibits the sale, transfer, or furnishing of over-the-counter diet pills to individuals who are under eighteen years of age. This means that retailers and other parties are not permitted to provide these specific products to minors. The law directly affects sellers of these pills and individuals under 18 seeking to purchase them.

Maddy summaryHB 1824, also known as the "Dog and Cat Rescue Act: Daisy's Law," amends Arkansas law concerning cruelty to animals. This act authorizes law enforcement officers to temporarily secure a dog or cat and transfer its possession to an appropriate place of custody. This action can be taken after a complaint of cruelty if there is a substantial likelihood the animal's condition would deteriorate. Officers may also consider the condition of other dogs or cats belonging to the same owner as evidence to support securing the animal.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1333, now Act 627, mandates that health insurance plans must provide coverage for breastfeeding and lactation consultant services. This bill directly affects individuals who utilize these services by ensuring their insurance covers the costs. It requires health insurance providers to include this specific coverage in their plans. An amendment clarified that these services must be provided by a certified healthcare provider.

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 summaryHR 1084 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives to honor Martha Jarrow, Director of Member Services, for her dedicated service to the House and state. The resolution recognizes her leadership in developing staff training programs, improving legislative communication, and fostering a collaborative workplace environment. Adopted on March 20, 2025, it formally acknowledges her contributions and will be presented to her by the House Chief Clerk.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives to formally commend Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., on its 118th anniversary. It recognizes the fraternity's history as the first intercollegiate Black Greek-letter organization, founded in 1906, and its community service across Arkansas and globally. The resolution specifically honors its leadership, academic focus, and contributions to civil rights and community programs. It does not create new laws or affect funding, but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding House resolution (HR 1057), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes the American Association of University Women, Central Arkansas Branch, for its work advancing gender equity through research, education, and advocacy since 1922. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or entities - it simply expresses the Arkansas House's acknowledgment of the organization's contributions. No funding, regulations, or new requirements are created.

Maddy summarySCR 4 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing former Arkansas State Representative and Senator Joyce Elliott during Black History Month for her legislative service. It honors her 23-year career in the Arkansas legislature (2000-2023), her focus on education policy, and her founding of the civic engagement nonprofit Get Loud Arkansas. The resolution has no binding effect - it simply acknowledges her contributions through a formal commendation presented to her. This is a procedural recognition, not a policy change, and was approved by both chambers and the Governor in March 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1069) formally recognizes Women’s History Month in March 2025 and International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, through the Arkansas House of Representatives. It also specifically acknowledges the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas for its work improving economic mobility for women and girls in the state. The resolution has no binding policy requirements - it is a symbolic gesture of recognition, not a law creating new programs or funding. It was adopted by the Arkansas House on March 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 1041 is a ceremonial House Resolution honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for its historical role in the 1913 Woman Suffrage Procession and its 2013 centennial commemoration march. The resolution recognizes the sorority’s founding in 1913, its advocacy for women’s advancement, and its participation in pivotal suffrage events that contributed to the Nineteenth Amendment. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it has no policy impact and merely expresses legislative recognition. The Arkansas House formally adopted it on March 3, 2025, with a copy to be provided to the sorority’s leadership.