Sen. Ben Gilmore

Maddy summarySenate Bill 499 aimed to reduce and revise reporting requirements for several state departments. It sought to eliminate the State Securities Department's quarterly reports on funds received from court orders or settlements. The bill also proposed repealing annual reports from the State Insurance Department on health insurance fraud activities and from the Risk Management Division to the Governor and Legislative Council. Additionally, it would have removed requirements for the Insurance Commissioner to report on the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace and the Workers' Compensation Insurance Plan to the Legislative Council and legislative committees.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 65 expresses the Arkansas Senate's support for the state's engagement with the Justice Counts metrics. It urges policymakers across state and local government entities to implement and utilize these metrics. This resolution formally communicates the Senate's encouragement for data-driven approaches within the justice system.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 528 proposes to amend the powers and duties of the Office of Skills Development and the Career Education and Workforce Development Board. The bill requires these entities to ensure that any approved secondary technical center begins operation with at least six occupation-specific programs. This standard applies to public high schools, postsecondary technical institutes, two-year colleges, or education service cooperatives that are designated as secondary technical centers.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 283, as amended, modifies the law concerning unclaimed property for certain nonprofit organizations. It specifically affects nonprofits with less than five million dollars in annual revenue. These organizations must turn over property unclaimed for one year to the state administrator. The administrator then has two years to locate the property's owner. If the owner is not found within that period, the unclaimed property is returned to the original nonprofit organization.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 349 (SB 349) proposes to transition Victim Assistance Coordinators from county or grant-funded employment to state employees under the Auditor of State, effective October 1, 2025. The bill establishes 110 state positions for these coordinators across various grades and appropriates over $5.3 million for their salaries and benefits for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This aims to ensure a consistent and adequate level of victim services statewide, particularly in areas with limited resources. While the state would fund salaries, counties would remain responsible for providing facilities, equipment, and supplies for these services. The Prosecution Coordination Commission would determine the initial allocation of these state-funded positions.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 221 (SB 221) aims to prohibit specific contracting practices by risk-based provider organizations when they negotiate with direct healthcare service providers in Arkansas. The bill prevents these organizations from using "tying" tactics, which involve requiring a provider to contract for multiple services if they only agree to one, or penalizing them for declining certain services. It also prohibits discrimination against providers who refuse such terms. Violations of these provisions would be considered unfair trade practices, and any problematic contract clauses would be voided. The bill seeks to ensure fair negotiation for providers and protect access to healthcare for Medicaid beneficiaries, especially individuals with disabilities.

Maddy summarySenate Memorial Resolution 1 (SMR 1) is a resolution to remember Bob R. Brooks, Jr. and recognize his contributions to the legal profession, the State of Arkansas, and the United States. It also states that the Boyle Building will be known as the Bob R. Brooks, Jr. Justice Building as a lasting tribute to his career.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 12 commends Chris Lampkin for his honorable service on the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Rural Endowment Fund, Inc., and for his appointment as General Manager. It also approves and confirms the appointment of the Honorable S. Reid Harrod, Jr. to the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Rural Endowment Fund, Inc.

Maddy summarySenate Memorial Resolution 2 is a commemorative bill that honors the life and public service of James "Jim" Guy Tucker, former Arkansas Attorney General, U.S. Congressman, and the forty-third Governor of Arkansas. The resolution serves to respectfully acknowledge his contributions to the state and nation following his passing.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 75 formally honors Sylvia Ann Hindsman Cornwell for her 45 years of exemplary and dedicated service to the Arkansas Senate and the State of Arkansas. It recognizes her significant contributions, such as modernizing Senate records and serving as the first female Secretary of the Senate.