Rep. Wade Andrews

Maddy summaryThis bill adds nitrogen gas as an additional method of execution for individuals sentenced to death in Arkansas, alongside the existing lethal injection option. It requires prison officials to notify death row inmates of the chosen execution method (nitrogen gas or lethal injection) at least seven days in advance. The bill also includes confidentiality provisions preventing public disclosure of execution protocols, drug sources, and personnel involved under Arkansas' public records laws. This change applies to all future capital punishment cases in Arkansas, following its passage into law as Act 302.

Maddy summaryHB 1496 modifies Arkansas teacher licensing rules to ensure students are taught by qualified educators. It requires teachers to complete specific continuing education tied to their subject area or critical shortage fields (like earning 5 professional development hours for each graduate credit hour), and limits temporary teaching assignments without full licensure to a maximum of five years (three years initially plus one two-year extension). School districts must approve all professional development credits and licensure plans, while prohibiting assignments outside a teacher’s licensed subject without specific exceptions like emergency permits or designated shortage-area training. The bill directly affects Arkansas public schools, teachers, and school districts by tightening requirements for who can teach in classrooms and how educators maintain qualifications.

Maddy summarySB 246, the Arkansas Access Act, prohibits Arkansas public schools from granting excused absences for political protests. It allows excused absences for student participation in social or public policy advocacy or efforts to influence legislation, but only with written consent from a parent, guardian, or legal custodian. Schools must annually report to the state education division the number of such absences requested, granted, and the stated purpose of each absence. The bill directly affects public school districts and charter schools in Arkansas, along with students and their families.

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 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 summaryHB 1117 requires public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools to provide firearm safety instruction that includes "neutral viewpoints" on all topics, specifically mandating coverage of "the prevention of accidental firearm injury." The law directly affects all K-12 public schools in the state by altering how firearm safety education must be delivered. Key provisions include banning one-sided instruction and requiring balanced content on firearm safety, including accidental injury prevention. This bill became law as Act 229 on March 4, 2025, after passing the legislature. It focuses on the content of school curricula, not funding or enforcement mechanisms.

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 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 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 1305 would have required Arkansas' State Board of Education to issue teaching licenses to individuals without meeting standard licensing requirements, provided they were approved for hire by a public school district or charter school and met specific experience or education criteria (e.g., a bachelor's degree in the subject, 5+ years of related career experience, or 10+ years of experience). It would have mandated that school districts submit formal requests for licensure and required candidates to pass background checks and have no disqualifying records. Licenses issued under this provision would have expired upon termination of employment with the recommending school district or charter school. This bill was withdrawn by its author on February 18, 2025, and never became law.