Rep. R.J. Hawk

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1634 establishes the Arkansas Sports Raffle Act, allowing Arkansas public colleges and universities and their approved nonprofit affiliates to conduct raffles tied to official athletic games. These raffles can be sold digitally or in person, with proceeds limited to supporting student-athletes (e.g., scholarships, publicity rights), athletic programs, and facility improvements - never for staff compensation. The law prohibits sales to minors, caps transactions at $250, and requires public prize announcements. It amends gambling laws to exempt these sports-linked raffles from standard restrictions, effective as Act 305.

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.

Maddy summarySB 246, the Arkansas Access Act, prohibits Arkansas public schools from granting excused absences for political protests. It allows excused absences for student participation in social or public policy advocacy or efforts to influence legislation, but only with written consent from a parent, guardian, or legal custodian. Schools must annually report to the state education division the number of such absences requested, granted, and the stated purpose of each absence. The bill directly affects public school districts and charter schools in Arkansas, along with students and their families.

Maddy summaryHB 1512, now Act 341, prohibits Arkansas public schools and charter schools from granting excused absences for "political protest." It allows excused absences for student "social or public policy advocacy" or "influencing legislation" only with parental consent. Schools must annually report the number of such absences and their purposes to the education division. The law directly affects public school students, parents, and school administrators by changing absence policies for non-academic activities.

Maddy summaryHR 1064 is a commemorative House Resolution recognizing Scottie Pippen and the University of Central Arkansas for his achievements and contributions. It formally honors Pippen's basketball career, his Arkansas roots, and his community impact through a series of factual "whereas" statements detailing his NBA success, Olympic medals, and ties to UCA. The resolution does not create new policies, allocate funds, or affect any group through legislative action. It was passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives on March 6, 2025, as a ceremonial gesture.

Maddy summarySB 253 amends Arkansas law to clarify that a "manufactured home unit" must be a structure designed to be moved on highways when attached to a vehicle. This change directly affects manufacturers, sellers, and local governments that enforce housing regulations for these homes. The key provision adds the requirement that the home must be capable of being transported on roads as part of its definition, ensuring consistency in how these homes are classified under state law. The bill was enacted as Act 256 on March 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives expressing support for President Trump's nomination of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel. It has no legal effect but urges swift confirmation to strengthen U.S.-Israel relations, citing Huckabee's experience, pro-Israel advocacy, and religious ties. The resolution was adopted unanimously and transmitted to the President and Senate for consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 (now Act 238) amends Arkansas criminal law to establish a new offense for "unlawful squattering." The bill makes it a criminal violation for a person to occupy property without the owner's permission, specifically targeting individuals who enter or remain on property after being asked to leave. This directly affects individuals occupying vacant or abandoned properties without legal right, such as vacant homes or land. The key provision creates a specific criminal charge (likely a misdemeanor) for this conduct, distinct from general trespass laws, and specifies that the offense applies after the owner or their agent has issued a verbal or written demand to vacate.

Maddy summarySB 228 amends Arkansas law to clarify conditions under which a background check waiver remains valid for nonlicensed staff in educational settings. It requires that such waivers (granted by school boards) stay effective only if the employee does not experience a break in employment or receive a new disqualifying conviction after the waiver is issued. This directly affects school districts, colleges, and other educational entities that hire nonlicensed staff (like cafeteria workers or administrative aides), as well as applicants for those positions. The law specifies that waivers expire if employment is interrupted or if the applicant later faces a conviction that would disqualify them under the background check rules.