Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1008 proposes to extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers. If enacted, the bill would require Medicaid to cover eligible mothers for a full year after they give birth. This change would provide extended healthcare access to individuals in the postpartum period.
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 1038, titled the "No-Excuse Absentee Voting Act of 2025," aimed to change the current laws regarding absentee voting. This bill would have allowed all eligible voters to cast an absentee ballot without needing to provide a specific reason or qualification. It sought to repeal existing voter qualifications for absentee voting, making the process accessible to a broader range of voters who wish to vote absentee.
Maddy summaryHB 1040, titled "The Water In Line Act of 2025" (which appears inconsistent with its actual content), aimed to amend penalties for misdemeanor offenses related to voting. The bill sought to change legal penalties for voting-related misdemeanors but did not specify the exact nature of these changes in the provided text. It was introduced in the 95th General Assembly (2025), underwent committee review, and ultimately died in committee on May 5, 2025, without becoming law. The bill’s confusing title likely contains an error, as its substance focused solely on voting offense penalties.
Maddy summaryHB 1030 aims to enhance mental health support for students by requiring specific training for school personnel. The bill mandates that School Resource Officers (SROs) and other law enforcement working in schools obtain certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid. It also requires school counselors to receive Youth Mental Health First Aid training. An adopted amendment specifies that the requirement for SROs will be integrated into their existing continuing education hours.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1539 proposes to amend the Public School Funding Act of 2003 in Arkansas. The bill aims to increase per-student foundation funding for public schools, as well as specific funding for alternative learning environment students and English learners for the 2025-2027 school years. A key provision is the creation of a new, dedicated categorical funding stream for special education, ensuring these funds are specifically allocated and spent on special education services. This change intends to address the underfunding of special education by allocating funds based on the number of students with special needs.
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 summaryBased on the title, HB 1023 aimed to modify the State Teacher Education Program. It sought to change the eligibility requirements for loan forgiveness and adjust the loan repayment amounts within that program. The provided text is an amendment adding sponsors, and the specific details of these proposed changes are not available in this context.
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 summaryHouse Bill 1880 proposes amendments to Arkansas's Human Life Protection Act and Unborn Child Protection Act. The bill seeks to add new exceptions to the state's abortion prohibitions, allowing the procedure in cases of pregnancies resulting from incest or rape, provided a report has been filed with law enforcement. It also includes an exception for fetal abnormalities incompatible with life. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "medical emergency" to include circumstances where an abortion is necessary to preserve the health of a pregnant woman, not just her life.
