Rep. Howard Beaty

Maddy summaryHB 1815, now Act 687, modifies the state's legal authority in two distinct areas. It amends the state's jurisdiction regarding federal lands located within its borders. Additionally, the bill ensures that the state retains jurisdiction over juvenile justice matters. An amendment clarifies that these juvenile cases will be heard by the circuit court or the juvenile division of the circuit court.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided information, the full text of HB 1615 is not available, only an amendment (Amendment No. 5). This amendment makes minor textual changes to the bill, such as adjusting a line number and modifying specific phrases like "(a) The state government shall license or certify any". Without the complete bill text, it is not possible to describe what the bill does, who it affects, or its key mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1824, also known as the "Dog and Cat Rescue Act: Daisy's Law," amends Arkansas law concerning cruelty to animals. This act authorizes law enforcement officers to temporarily secure a dog or cat and transfer its possession to an appropriate place of custody. This action can be taken after a complaint of cruelty if there is a substantial likelihood the animal's condition would deteriorate. Officers may also consider the condition of other dogs or cats belonging to the same owner as evidence to support securing the animal.

Maddy summaryThis Arkansas House Resolution (HR 1109) urges the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Interagency Council on Homelessness to reform federal policies affecting homelessness programs. It specifically requests the repeal of restrictive rules like the Continuum of Care Interim Rule, reduction of administrative burdens from the Homeless Management Information System, and a shift from direct federal funding to block grants for greater state flexibility. The resolution aims to allow Arkansas to tailor housing solutions to local needs rather than adhering to one-size-fits-all federal mandates. It directly affects Arkansas communities experiencing homelessness by seeking to improve how federal funds are allocated and used for housing services. (Note: As a non-binding resolution, it does not change federal law but requests policy adjustments.)

Maddy summaryThis resolution authorizes Arkansas Senator Dismang to advance Senate Joint Resolution 15 (SJR 15) as a third proposed constitutional amendment. It follows Arkansas' Joint Rules requiring two-thirds approval from both legislative chambers to consider a third constitutional amendment, which this resolution satisfies for SJR 15. The bill does not change laws but enables the next procedural step for SJR 15 to be referred to voters. It was adopted by the Arkansas House on April 14, 2025, after being filed on April 9. The resolution directly affects Senator Dismang's ability to pursue SJR 15's consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1821 creates a single State Captive Insurance Program to replace fragmented property insurance systems for public schools, state-supported colleges/universities, and state-owned properties in Arkansas. It combines these entities under one program, prohibits the use of public adjusting firms (which the bill states increased premiums), and requires independent reappraisals of higher education properties to ensure proper valuation. The bill also establishes the Office of Property Risk within the Department of Transformation and Shared Services to manage the program and mandates coordination among state agencies for a smooth transition. These changes aim to stabilize insurance costs and improve market competitiveness for these public entities.

Maddy summaryHB 1470 repeals Arkansas Code § 19-11-269, which required state agencies to submit IT procurement plans for review by the Office of Intergovernmental Services before spending over $100,000 on information technology contracts or cooperative IT purchases. This change directly affects state agencies that purchase or contract for IT products or services exceeding $100,000. The bill removes a pre-approval step for these transactions, streamlining the procurement process without creating new requirements. As a procedural repeal, it does not alter IT spending limits or introduce new policy. (This bill became Act 582 on April 14, 2025.)

Maddy summaryHB 1774 amends Arkansas' Fair Housing Commission membership structure, increasing it from seven to thirteen voting members. The bill specifies that seven members must be appointed by the Governor (with Senate confirmation), three by the House Speaker, and three by the Senate President Pro Tempore. It adds detailed professional requirements for some members, such as five years' experience as real estate brokers, homebuilders, mortgage brokers, or bankers, while ensuring consumer representatives (including those with disabilities and elderly advocates) are included. The commission must maintain geographic diversity across Arkansas' congressional districts and elect a chair, meeting quarterly. This change took effect after the bill became Act 562 on April 14, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 463 requires Arkansas public utilities to obtain approval from the Arkansas Public Service Commission before entering settlement agreements that would close or eliminate power plants or transmission assets. The bill directly affects utilities, the Commission, and consumers by mandating that settlements must legally resolve claims, not exceed regulatory costs, and avoid decisions driven by environmental goals rather than law. The Commission must evaluate whether proposed settlements are legally sound, cost-justified for consumers, and based on reasonable legal interpretations before approving or denying them. This creates a new review process to ensure settlements protect consumer interests and comply with state regulations. The bill does not change existing utility operations but adds oversight for specific settlement agreements.

Maddy summarySB 361 creates a legal framework for Arkansas counties and municipalities to establish Industrial Development Authorities (IDAs). These IDAs are public entities designed to secure new industry, foster economic development, and attract business investments within local communities. The bill outlines how local governments can form IDAs through ordinances or orders, establish governing boards (with membership based on population), and operate as separate corporate entities. It directly affects local governments and businesses seeking economic development opportunities by providing a standardized process for creating these authorities. The law does not make specific economic decisions but enables local entities to pursue development projects using tools like bond financing.