Rep. Matthew Shepherd

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 summaryThis ceremonial resolution (HR 1040) recognizes the Smackover High School varsity cheerleading team as the 2024 Class 3A state champions. It formally congratulates the team for winning the championship title with a score of 76.9 points at the state competition, including victories in cheer overall, building, jumps, and tumbling. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to honor the team's achievement and will be provided to their head coach.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 1035) formally congratulates the Junction City High School Lady Dragons cheerleading team for winning the 2024 Class 1A-2A All-Girl State Championship in Arkansas. It recognizes their perfect score (74.8 points with zero deductions) and their second consecutive state title, highlighting their achievements in Cheer, Stunts, and Pyramid categories. The resolution is purely ceremonial - it does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any policies - and is directed at the team, their coach (Jordan Weldon), and the Junction City community. It was adopted by the Arkansas House of Representatives on March 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 1044 is a House Resolution recognizing the Strong High School Bulldogs eight-man football team for winning the 2024-25 Arkansas state championship. The resolution formally acknowledges their undefeated season (8-0), 66-14 championship victory over Midland, and team achievements like averaging 52.2 points per game. It directs the House to provide a copy of the resolution to Coach Jason Porter upon adoption. This is a symbolic gesture with no policy or funding impact, solely celebrating the team's athletic accomplishment.

Maddy summaryHB 1413 amends laws governing brine production and the formation of brine production units. The bill changes a mandatory requirement ("shall") to a discretionary one ("may") regarding certain brine operations and clarifies that transferred land must not substantially harm the property rights of other owners within the brine unit. This directly affects brine producers and landowners involved in brine production units by providing more flexibility in operational decisions while protecting neighboring property rights during land transfers. The bill became law as Act 254 on March 6, 2025.

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 summarySB 169 corrects grammatical and punctuation errors in Arkansas Constitution Amendment 51, which governs voter registration rules. It specifically revises sections about voter registration forms (requiring clearer statements on eligibility, penalties for false applications, and confidentiality), voter eligibility requirements (clarifying felony conviction rules), and registration cancellation procedures (updating the list of reasons like address changes or death). The bill makes no policy changes - it only fixes wording in existing constitutional language to improve clarity and consistency. This technical update directly affects voters, election officials, and third-party registration organizations by ensuring registration forms and rules are accurately reflected in the constitution.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HMR 1004), not a substantive bill. It formally commemorates James "Jim" Guy Tucker, who served as Arkansas Attorney General, U.S. Congressman, and the state's 43rd Governor. The resolution honors his career and legacy without enacting any policy changes or affecting any group. It passed unanimously in the Arkansas House of Representatives on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1412 clarifies Arkansas' authority to regulate pipeline safety for transporting hazardous liquids or carbon dioxide. It requires the Oil and Gas Commission to obtain state certification, create rules aligning with federal Department of Transportation standards, and enforce those rules after certification. The bill directly affects pipeline operators transporting these materials by establishing a clear process for state oversight. It does not create new safety requirements but formalizes how Arkansas will implement existing federal pipeline safety standards. (Act 150, passed February 2025)

Maddy summaryHB 1411 clarifies the regulation of carbon capture and storage projects in Arkansas by granting the Oil and Gas Commission specific authority over underground CO2 storage operations. It establishes a Carbon Dioxide Storage Fund funded by a $0.10 fee per ton of CO2 injected (with $0.07 directed to the fund), which will cover long-term monitoring, emergency repairs, and plugging of leaking wells after storage ends. The bill directly affects companies storing CO2 underground, requiring them to pay application fees ($50,000), annual well fees ($1,000 per well), and the per-ton fee. The fund ensures safety and environmental protection by financing post-closure activities like well inspections and remediation.