Rep. DeAnn Vaught

Maddy summaryHB 1001 reduces income tax rates for Arkansas residents, including individuals, trusts, estates, and both domestic and foreign corporations. For individuals, the bill establishes a progressive tax structure with rates ranging from 0% to 3.7% for income up to $94,700, while providing a specific tax credit for income between $94,701 and $97,600. Corporations see their tax brackets adjusted starting in 2027, with rates increasing from 1% to 4.1% on net income exceeding $11,000. The legislation also includes provisions for annual adjustments to the individual tax tables to account for inflation or other economic factors.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Arkansas homestead property tax credit for property owners, raising the annual reduction in real property taxes from $600 to $675. The change applies to assessment years starting on or after January 1, 2026, directly benefiting homeowners who qualify for the credit. By amending the state code, the legislation provides a slightly larger tax relief amount for eligible residents without altering other tax provisions.

Maddy summaryThis Arkansas House Resolution authorizes the House of Representatives and the Senate to take recesses lasting four consecutive days or longer during the 2026 fiscal session. The measure allows the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to declare these breaks without needing separate approval for each instance. By establishing this rule, the resolution provides a clear mechanism for legislative bodies to pause their sessions for extended periods when necessary.

Maddy summaryThis bill from the Arkansas House of Representatives schedules a joint session of the state legislature to take place on April 8, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. The primary purpose of the session is to allow legislators to hear a speech delivered by Governor Sarah Sanders. The resolution requires both the House and Senate to convene in the House Chamber to witness the address, which is a formal procedural step rather than a policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 1944 would have authorized the creation and renewal of a special license plate to promote and support the Arkansas EMS Foundation. It also sought to repeal the existing special license plate for the Grand Lodge of Arkansas. This bill would have directly affected drivers interested in these specific license plates and the two organizations involved.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 84 (SB 84) prohibits state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy and Environment, from instituting a moratorium on the issuance of permits in watersheds and other bodies of water, such as the Buffalo River Watershed. A state agency could only institute such a moratorium if it first obtains approval from the Legislative Council. The bill also states that any existing moratoriums in these areas established before the bill's effective date would become unenforceable.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1149 aimed to protect the right of individuals to cultivate vegetable gardens on their private residential property in Arkansas. The bill would have prevented counties, municipalities, and other local political subdivisions from prohibiting these gardens. It broadly defined a "vegetable garden" to include various edible plants, flowers, and pollinator plants grown for personal consumption or noncommercial sharing. Property owners would still need to comply with generally applicable local laws and zoning requirements.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1806 aimed to increase curriculum transparency for parents of students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. It would have required schools to make curriculum information available to parents. Additionally, the bill sought to allow parents to review library media materials and opt their child out of accessing selected items. An amendment added a provision stating that some aspects of the bill's implementation would be contingent on funding availability.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1534 proposes to increase the existing homestead property tax credit. This bill directly affects homeowners by reducing the amount of property taxes they owe on their primary residence. The key mechanism is an adjustment to the credit amount, providing a larger tax reduction for eligible households.

Maddy summaryHB 1180, also known as the "Baby Olivia Act," mandates specific video content for human fetal growth and development discussions. These discussions must include a high-definition ultrasound video showing early fetal organ development. Additionally, a video at least three minutes long depicting fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus until birth is required. The bill tasks the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education with approving a list of these videos, specifically mentioning the "Meet Baby Olivia" video. This legislation would affect the content of educational discussions on fetal development and the responsibilities of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.