Rep. Austin McCollum

Maddy summarySB 484 establishes a detailed process for filling vacancies on a school district's board of directors. When a vacancy occurs, the remaining board members have a specific timeframe (30 or 60 days) to appoint a qualified individual from the affected zone. If the board fails to act within this period, or if multiple vacancies occur, the county quorum court becomes responsible for the appointment. The bill mandates public notice of vacancies and requires interested candidates to submit a petition signed by at least 20 qualified electors. All discussions and actions related to filling these vacancies must take place in open public meetings.

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 summaryHouse Bill 1679 amends the Revised Arkansas Anatomical Gift Act. It allows certain individuals to revoke or modify an anatomical gift after the donor's death, specifically following the irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions. The bill also requires organ procurement organizations to submit certain reports. This legislation affects individuals who have made anatomical gift decisions and the organizations responsible for facilitating these gifts.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1706 amends Arkansas election law to prohibit the use of ranked choice voting for all local, state, and federal elective offices within the state. The bill defines ranked choice voting as a method where voters rank candidates by preference, with ballots tabulated in multiple rounds until one candidate achieves a majority. Any existing or future local ordinances that conflict with this prohibition are voided. This prohibition does not apply to absentee ballots cast by uniformed and overseas citizens under federal law.

Maddy summaryHB 1672, titled "TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE TO CREATE A MORE EFFICIENT SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF INNOVATION IN ARKANSAS," modifies state law concerning public charter schools. Specifically, this amendment allows approved virtual charter schools to receive waivers from physical presence requirements for students. It also establishes a process for public charter schools that receive an "F" letter grade for three consecutive years; their charter will be revoked, though they can request a hearing before the State Board of Education for reinstatement within ten days. These changes aim to enhance the operational framework for innovative public schools in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1803 authorizes the placement of a monument on the State Capitol Grounds. This monument is intended to recognize and honor Maurice Lee “Footsie” Britt.

Maddy summaryHB 1815, now Act 687, modifies the state's legal authority in two distinct areas. It amends the state's jurisdiction regarding federal lands located within its borders. Additionally, the bill ensures that the state retains jurisdiction over juvenile justice matters. An amendment clarifies that these juvenile cases will be heard by the circuit court or the juvenile division of the circuit court.

Maddy summaryHB 1467, now Act 557, amends the Uniform Money Services Act. The bill's text provided focuses solely on adding Representative McCollum as a cosponsor (via Amendment No. 1), not on substantive policy changes to the act. It does not describe specific provisions, mechanisms, or direct effects on businesses or consumers. The bill was enacted on April 14, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers. (Note: The provided context lacks details on the actual policy amendments to the Uniform Money Services Act.)

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 323 amends the Horizontal Property Act to allow a multi-unit property ownership system (such as a condominium or townhouse community) to be legally integrated as part of a larger development project. This change directly affects property owners and developers by simplifying the process of including existing horizontal properties within broader developments without requiring separate ownership structures for the entire project. The key provision explicitly adds that a horizontal property regime may be "made part of another development," eliminating bureaucratic barriers for development projects that combine multiple property types. The bill was passed by the legislature on April 7, 2025, and became law as Act 516 on April 10, 2025.