Rep. Austin McCollum

Co-sponsor HB 1636

died · Arkansas House · Co-sponsor

TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS SOFT DRINK TAX ACT, AS AFFIRMED BY REFERRED ACT 1 OF 1994; AND TO PHASE OUT THE SOFT DRINK TAX BASED ON SALES TAX COLLECTIONS FROM SALES OF SOFT DRINKS.

Maddy summaryHB 1636 would phase out Arkansas' soft drink tax by gradually eliminating it based on sales tax collections from soft drink sales. The bill proposed replacing the current tax with a system tied directly to existing sales tax data, ensuring a smooth transition. This change would directly affect soft drink retailers (who collect the tax) and consumers (who pay it). The legislation aimed to replace an outdated tax structure with one aligned to current sales tax reporting practices.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPhasing out soft drink tax reduces consumer tax burden, aligning with tax relief support indicator for middle-income consumers.95% confidence

died Apr 9, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor SB 263

Signed into law · Arkansas Senate · Co-sponsor

TO INCREASE THE HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX CREDIT.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 263 (now Act 330) increases the amount of the homestead property tax credit available to Arkansas homeowners. This policy change directly benefits qualifying homeowners who own and occupy their primary residence, reducing their annual property tax bill. The bill amends the existing tax credit structure to provide a higher dollar amount for eligible taxpayers. It became law after passing the Arkansas legislature and being delivered to the Governor on March 13, 2025. The change represents a concrete adjustment to tax relief for qualified homeowners without altering eligibility requirements.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases homestead property tax credit, providing direct tax relief to qualifying homeowners (primary residence owners), aligning with tax relief for middle/lower income.95% confidence

Signed into law Mar 18, 2025 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor HB 1489

Signed into law · Arkansas House · Co-sponsor

TO AMEND THE METHOD OF EXECUTION TO INCLUDE NITROGEN GAS.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds nitrogen gas as an additional method of execution for individuals sentenced to death in Arkansas, alongside the existing lethal injection option. It requires prison officials to notify death row inmates of the chosen execution method (nitrogen gas or lethal injection) at least seven days in advance. The bill also includes confidentiality provisions preventing public disclosure of execution protocols, drug sources, and personnel involved under Arkansas' public records laws. This change applies to all future capital punishment cases in Arkansas, following its passage into law as Act 302.

Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill adds nitrogen gas as execution method, strengthening capital punishment implementation within criminal justice system.95% confidence

Signed into law Mar 18, 2025 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor SB 203

Signed into law · Arkansas Senate · Co-sponsor

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING OUTDOOR RECREATION ACTIVITIES AND RECREATIONAL TRAMWAYS; AND TO CREATE A RECREATIONAL TRAMWAY SYSTEM FOR STATE PARKS AND FOR OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE STATE.

Maddy summarySB 203 amends Arkansas law to establish a formal framework for recreational tramway systems within state parks and other designated locations. The bill defines key terms, clarifies liability for recreation operators (adding "for negligence" to operator responsibilities), and updates procedural language to support these systems. It directly affects state park administrators, tramway operators, and visitors using these facilities. The bill became law as Act 155 on February 25, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

Signed into law Feb 25, 2025 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor SB 7

died · Arkansas Senate · Co-sponsor

TO AMEND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

died Sep 14, 2023 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HB 1003

died · Arkansas House · Co-sponsor

TO AMEND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

died Sep 13, 2023 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HB 1564

died · Arkansas House · Co-sponsor

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SEXUAL SOLICITATION; AND TO CHANGE THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE OFFENSE OF SEXUAL SOLICITATION.

died May 1, 2023 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HJR 1013

died · Arkansas House · Co-sponsor

AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION TO REPEAL THE EXCEPTION TO THE PROHIBITION OF SLAVERY AND INVOLUNTARY SERVITUDE.

died May 1, 2023 1 co-sponsor Track

Primary HB 1639

died · Arkansas House · Lead sponsor

TO CREATE THE BEST INTEREST ARKANSAS CHILDREN ACT OF 2023; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE BEST INTEREST STANDARD IN DEPENDENCY-NEGLECT CASES.

died May 1, 2023 0 co-sponsors Track

Co-sponsor HB 1573

died · Arkansas House · Co-sponsor

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION; TO CREATE A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT BROKER AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATE LICENSE; AND TO AMEND THE REAL ESTATE LICENSE LAW.

died May 1, 2023 1 co-sponsor Track