Rep. Howard Beaty

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 summarySB 259 transfers the authority to appoint the Director of the Arkansas Waterways Commission from its current appointing body to the Governor. The bill requires the Governor's appointment to be confirmed by the Arkansas Senate before taking effect. This change directly affects the Governor, the Senate, and the Waterways Commission by altering the appointment process. The bill became law as Act 293 on March 12, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 249 updates Arkansas forestry regulations by increasing civil penalties for violations related to forestry certification. It sets a maximum $5,000 civil penalty for individuals practicing forestry without a valid registration, falsely claiming certification, using expired credentials, or violating other registration rules. The bill also grants the Arkansas Forestry Commission new authority to create a structured penalty system for these violations. This directly affects forestry professionals, landowners who hire certified foresters, and anyone working in forestry-related roles requiring state registration. The changes strengthen enforcement of forestry licensing requirements without altering criminal penalties for violations.

Maddy summarySB 224 repeals Arkansas' specific regulations for "one hundred percent natural organic fertilizer," which previously defined the product, set minimum nutrient requirements (4% nitrogen, 2% phosphorus, 4% potassium), and required State Plant Board oversight. This repeal directly affects fertilizer manufacturers and sellers who were subject to these detailed labeling, processing, and testing rules. The bill removes the legal framework governing this fertilizer type, including prohibitions on synthetic additives and mandatory analysis methods. The repeal eliminates regulatory requirements but does not change general fertilizer laws or private sales of unprocessed animal litter.

Maddy summaryThis bill reassigns oversight of Arkansas' pest control licensing and regulations from the State Plant Board to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. It amends definitions (like "licensed operator" and "solicitor") and updates administrative language throughout the pest control law to reference the Department of Agriculture instead of the State Plant Board. The changes affect pest control businesses, license applicants, and operators who must comply with state licensing requirements. The bill primarily streamlines agency responsibility without altering the core licensing procedures or requirements for pest control professionals.

Maddy summarySB 296 amends Arkansas law to clarify how county election boards designate additional early voting locations. It requires county boards of election commissioners to unanimously vote to select new early voting sites within the county seat, beyond the standard polling locations established for the previous general election. The bill specifies that these additional sites must operate during the same hours as existing early voting locations (8 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays) for elections. This change directly affects county election boards, which now have a defined process for expanding early voting access within their jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryHB 1379 updates who can authorize state employee reimbursements for meals and lodging during official travel. It replaces the previous requirement that only a "State cabinet-level secretary" approve such expenses with a broader list including department directors, chief executive officers, or chief fiscal officers. This change directly affects state employees traveling on official business and their supervisors who process travel expense claims. The bill clarifies that multiple types of state agency officials - not just cabinet secretaries - may now approve these reimbursements. The bill passed in 2025 and became Act 287.

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 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 summaryThis resolution honors the Arkansas 4-H program for its positive impact on youth in the state. It designates March 4, 2025, as "4-H Day" to be observed at the Arkansas State Capitol. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it is a ceremonial recognition of the program's community contributions.