Rep. DeAnn Vaught

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 summaryHR 1051 is a symbolic resolution recognizing "Eating Disorder Action Week" to raise public awareness, promote education, and encourage early intervention and treatment for eating disorders. It specifically cites Arkansas hospital data from 2021 (516 inpatient admissions and 140 ER visits for eating disorders) as context for the recognition. The bill does not create new programs, allocate funding, or impose legal requirements - it serves solely as a formal acknowledgment by the Arkansas legislature. This procedural resolution was passed unanimously in the House on February 27, 2025, with an amendment adding the state-specific statistics.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the Horatio School District Future Farmers of America (FFA) team and their advisor, Nicki Litchford, for winning the 2025 national championship in livestock judging at the National Western Stock Show. It recognizes the team's students (Layla Tallant, Konnor Bailey, Jake Sawyer, Olivia Frady) and Litchford's 13-year tenure as advisor, including her role in developing students' leadership and agricultural skills. The resolution expresses the Arkansas House of Representatives' appreciation for their consistent national success and Litchford's dedication to students. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact - it solely serves to publicly recognize their achievements.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 1028) formally recognizes National FFA Week (February 15-22, 2025) in Arkansas. It acknowledges the work of the National FFA Organization and Arkansas FFA Association - highlighting their 17,503 members and role in agricultural education - without creating new laws or funding. The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment, directing the House to send a copy to both FFA organizations. It has no policy impact beyond symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution authorizes the use of the House Chamber for four educational programs: the biennial Silver Haired Legislative Session (for seniors), and the annual Leadership Arkansas, Arkansas Girls State, and Arkansas Boys State programs (for high school students). It grants formal permission for these groups to hold their meetings and mock legislative sessions in the House Chamber at the Capitol during 2025-2026. The resolution does not create new policies or alter laws - it simply facilitates access for these established civic education initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 1189 amends mentoring requirements for new teachers under the state's Teacher Excellence and Support System. The bill changes the structure of mentorship programs for novice educators, adjusting how support is provided during their initial teaching years. This directly affects new teachers and their assigned mentors within the state's public school system. The legislation, now enacted as Act 135, modifies specific provisions of the existing teacher development framework without altering overall program goals.

Maddy summaryHB 1353 regulates vision benefit managers and amends Arkansas' Vision Care Plan Act and Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act. It prohibits insurance contracts from automatically reducing vision benefits solely due to other coverage (e.g., multiple vision plans), requiring such reductions to follow Insurance Commissioner-approved rules instead. The bill defines key terms like "covered materials" (e.g., lenses, frames) and "vision benefit manager," while banning agreements that force providers to charge more for non-covered services than their standard rates. This directly affects Arkansans with vision insurance plans and eye care providers, ensuring fairer billing practices for covered vision care services and materials. The bill passed in February 2025 and became Act 142.

Maddy summarySB 59 requires all public schools to provide one free breakfast daily to every student upon request, without checking if they qualify for federally funded free or reduced-price meals. This policy directly affects all public school students in the state, eliminating eligibility barriers for breakfast access. The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon enactment. It changes school meal procedures by mandating universal breakfast availability as a standard practice, not tied to existing federal program eligibility. The bill became law as Act 123 on February 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1067 allows federal firearms licensees (FFLs), such as gun shops, to enter into agreements with individuals to temporarily hold firearms. It directly affects FFLs who offer this service and individuals seeking to store firearms without immediate possession. The bill's key provision grants FFLs legal protection from civil lawsuits if they comply with the agreement, shielding them from liability related to the stored firearm. This creates a clear legal framework for temporary firearm storage arrangements without requiring FFLs to sell or transfer the weapon.

Maddy summaryHB 1278 requires surveyors to notify the owner and follow all visitor protocols - including biosecurity measures - before entering a commercial poultry farm for surveying purposes. It specifically applies to farms with poultry houses exceeding 5,000 square feet, directly affecting surveyors working near such facilities and poultry farm owners. The bill mandates these steps to protect farm biosecurity without creating new protocols, only requiring surveyors to comply with existing farm rules. This law, now Act 99, aims to prevent potential contamination risks during survey activities.