Rep. Denise Ennett

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 1016 proposes to create sales and use tax exemptions for several categories of products. If enacted, it would remove the sales and use tax from menstrual discharge collection devices, diapers, and certain items related to breastfeeding. This bill directly affects consumers who purchase these goods, potentially lowering their cost by eliminating the added tax.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1738 proposes a sales and use tax exemption for disabled veterans and authorized members of their households in Arkansas. To qualify, a disabled veteran must be certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and submit a letter to the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). This exemption applies to sales of tangible personal property, digital products, and services, with an annual maximum limit of $25,000 per disabled veteran. The DFA would issue exemption cards and establish rules for the program.

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.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided information, the full text of HB 1039 is not available. However, its title indicates that the bill aimed to amend existing Arkansas laws related to absentee ballots and general election procedures. Without the bill's full text, specific details about its mechanisms or provisions cannot be provided.

Maddy summaryHB 1366 sought to create an income tax credit for Arkansas taxpayers who install qualified storm shelters at their primary residence. The bill defined "qualified storm shelters" as those capable of withstanding an EF5 tornado and meeting FEMA criteria, installed on or near the taxpayer's single-family home. Taxpayers could claim a credit equal to the lesser of 50% of the cost or $3,000, which would be capped at a total of $2,000,000 statewide per calendar year and issued on a first-come, first-served basis. To receive the credit, taxpayers would file an informational report with the Division of Emergency Management.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1036 proposed changes to voter registration laws in Arkansas. The bill aimed to allow individuals to register to vote during the early voting period and also on Election Day itself. This would have directly affected potential voters by providing additional opportunities to register closer to an election. Additionally, the bill sought to amend specific provisions within Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51, which governs election procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1699 proposed to expand the state's existing sales tax holiday. If enacted, it would have allowed consumers to purchase firearm safety devices and firearm storage devices without paying sales tax during the designated holiday period. This measure aimed to make these specific items, intended for secure firearm storage, temporarily more affordable for individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 1881 proposes to expand the list of items exempt from sales and use tax during Arkansas's annual sales tax holiday. It adds "menstrual discharge collection devices," including products like tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear, to this exemption. This means consumers would not pay sales tax on these specific items when purchased during the sales tax holiday. The bill defines these devices and clarifies they do not include general grooming and hygiene products.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1577 is an appropriation bill designed to provide grants for perpetual care cemeteries during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. These grants would be administered by the Department of Commerce's State Insurance Department. The provided information does not detail the specific criteria for these grants or the total amount appropriated.