Sen. Ben Gilmore

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces income tax rates for individuals, trusts, estates, and corporations in Arkansas, with changes taking effect starting in 2026. For individuals, it lowers the top tax bracket to 3.7% on income up to $94,700 and introduces a sliding scale of tax credits for those earning between $94,701 and $97,600. Corporations and foreign businesses operating in the state will see their tax rates adjusted to a tiered structure ranging from 1% to 4.1% on net income beginning in 2027. The law also includes provisions to automatically adjust these tax brackets each year based on inflation.

Maddy summarySenate Memorial Resolution 3 honors the late Senator Uvalde Rex Lindsey for his service to the State of Arkansas and his local community. The resolution formally acknowledges his career in public service, which included roles in the Arkansas House and Senate, as well as his work in business and local government. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Senator Lindsey's family.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 23 formally honors John Pendleton Reed for his thirty-five years of service as the Arkansas Senate's public information officer. The resolution acknowledges his professional contributions, including his work covering the legislature and state government, and expresses gratitude for his dedication to the institution. It concludes by presenting a copy of the resolution to Reed as a gesture of appreciation upon his retirement.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial Resolution honors the memory of Representative Stanley Jack "Stan" Berry, who passed away in March 2026, and recognizes his contributions to Arkansas and his local community. The bill formally acknowledges Berry's extensive public service, including his roles in the National Guard, various local boards, and his legislative career representing District 44. It also notes his leadership on several committees and his dedication to education and community support throughout his life. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the document to Berry's family as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial Resolution formally honors the memory of former Arkansas State Senator Gary Don Stubblefield, who passed away in September 2025. The measure directs the Senate to recognize his contributions to the state and provides a copy of the resolution to his family. It serves as an official record of his service without establishing new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial Resolution honors the memory of former Senator Luther Boyd "Lu" Hardin, who passed away in August 2025. The bill formally recognizes his significant contributions to Arkansas, including his service as a state senator, director of the State Department of Higher Education, and president of the University of Central Arkansas. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Hardin's family as a gesture of respect. This is a ceremonial document that acknowledges Hardin's life and public service rather than changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Arkansas homestead property tax credit for property owners, raising the annual reduction in real property taxes from $600 to $675. The change applies to assessment years starting on or after January 1, 2026, directly benefiting homeowners who qualify for the credit. By amending the state code, the legislation provides a slightly larger tax relief amount for eligible residents without altering other tax provisions.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 350 proposed to establish and fund state-supported Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces under the Office of the Prosecutor Coordinator for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill aimed to appropriate over $14 million from the State Central Services Fund for personal services and operating expenses. This funding would create 121 positions, including a Drug Task Force Coordinator and 120 task force employees such as commanders, agents, and administrative assistants. It also provided for the transition of employees from county to state funding, recognizing prior service for leave benefits, while noting that local task forces would still be responsible for some operational expenses.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 628 proposes to increase the fees paid to court reporters for producing court transcripts. It raises the compensation for an original and two copies of a transcript from $4.10 to $8.00 per page, and additional copies from $0.50 to $1.00 per page. The bill also increases fees for photocopied evidence transcripts and provides higher compensation for official court reporters in criminal docket cases and for substitute reporters. Additionally, it clarifies how the State of Arkansas pays for transcripts in indigent proceedings, limiting state payment to the original and two copies.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 281, titled the "Producer Bill of Rights for Commodity Checkoff Programs Act," aimed to enhance transparency and producer engagement within several Arkansas agricultural commodity checkoff programs, such as those for soybeans, rice, and beef. The bill required these programs to publish meeting notices, provide open access to meetings, and establish online portals for producers to submit comments. It also mandated the online publication of various records, including financial reports and non-confidential research. Furthermore, the bill stipulated that grant recipients receiving $10,000 or more from these programs must provide annual summaries detailing their work and estimated return on investment. It also clarified that checkoff funds should be used only for approved purposes.