Sen. Ricky Hill

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.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 23 recognizes February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week in Arkansas. This resolution commends the National FFA Organization and its Arkansas Division for their work in agricultural education and youth leadership.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1534 proposes to increase the existing homestead property tax credit. This bill directly affects homeowners by reducing the amount of property taxes they owe on their primary residence. The key mechanism is an adjustment to the credit amount, providing a larger tax reduction for eligible households.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors D.J. Daniel for his fight against brain cancer and his passion for public service. It supports naming him an honorary State Capitol Police Officer and proclaims March 17, 2025, as D.J. Daniel Day in the State of Arkansas.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 204 proposes to exempt certain financial gains from state gross income for tax purposes. This exemption would apply to taxpayers whose property is acquired by a government or entity under the right of eminent domain or the threat of condemnation. Essentially, any profit a property owner makes from such a forced sale would not be considered taxable income under this bill.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 82 aimed to modify the sales and use tax regulations for used motor vehicles. The bill proposed to increase the sales and use tax exemption for these vehicles, meaning a larger portion of a used vehicle's purchase price would not be subject to tax. It also sought to amend the reduced sales and use tax rate currently applicable to purchases of used motor vehicles. These changes would directly affect individuals and businesses purchasing used motor vehicles.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 60 aims to regulate the location of digital asset mining businesses in Arkansas. It prohibits these businesses from operating or constructing within a thirty-mile radius of specific military facilities, including Little Rock Air Force Base, Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Chaffee, and Pine Bluff Arsenal. The bill directs the Oil and Gas Commission not to issue new permits for facilities within these restricted zones. Furthermore, it requires the revocation of existing permits for facilities within the radius unless they cease operations or construction, applying to businesses not issued a permit by December 31, 2024.

Maddy summarySB 338 aims to provide sales and use tax exemptions for student farmers in Arkansas. It defines a "student farmer" as an individual under 23 enrolled in a youth farming program, such as FFA or 4-H. The bill exempts sales tax on various items purchased by student farmers for their projects, including feed, livestock, seeds, fertilizer, medical supplies for animals, and farm equipment. It also exempts taxes on the lease of personal property and accommodations for student farmers or program leaders attending livestock shows or competitions. To claim these exemptions, student farmers must apply for an exemption certificate from the Department of Finance and Administration.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1494, known as the "Arkansas Guidance Out of the Darkness Act," requires Arkansas state agencies to publish specific federal guidance documents on their publicly accessible websites. This applies to documents that influence state laws, the administration of federal funds, or provide recommendations for federal compliance. Agencies must post the full document, the date it was received, and a summary of its potential impact within 30 days. The bill aims to increase transparency regarding how federal guidance affects state policies, with the Auditor of State tasked with reviewing agency compliance annually.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1371 proposes to remove a current requirement for individuals seeking a Commercial Driver License (CDL). Specifically, it would eliminate the mandate for applicants to complete a human trafficking prevention course as a condition for obtaining their CDL. This bill directly affects those applying for or renewing a commercial driver's license by altering the necessary steps for licensure.