Sen. Ricky Hill

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1561) is a technical amendment to remove all references to "the State of Qatar" from existing state laws. It deletes phrases like "or the State of Qatar" or "from the State of Qatar" from 17 different sections of the code, correcting outdated or erroneous text. The bill does not create new policies, affect any individuals or groups, or change legal requirements. It was passed by both chambers and became law as Act 473 on April 8, 2025, solely to update legal references.

Maddy summarySB 454 creates a new "Unclaimed Property Interest Trust Fund" to manage interest earned from investments of unclaimed property funds. The fund must first reimburse the State Central Services Fund for operating costs of the unclaimed property program, then cover prior shortfalls to the Unclaimed Property Proceeds Trust Fund. It also requires an annual $18 million transfer from unclaimed property funds (after reimbursements) to the state's general revenues. The bill declares an emergency to take effect July 1, 2025, to address a growing liability in the current system.

Maddy summaryHB 1509, now Act 452, creates the "Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act" to prohibit financial institutions from discriminating against individuals exercising Second Amendment rights. The law specifically bans institutions from restricting or terminating accounts based on firearm ownership or purchases, but only applies to transactions exceeding $10,000. This directly affects banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions, requiring them to avoid discriminatory practices tied to gun-related activities. The bill's key provision sets a clear monetary threshold ($10,000) for when these protections apply to financial transactions.

Maddy summarySB 189, now Act 396, allows pharmacies and consumers to purchase Ivermectin for human use without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare professional. The bill removes existing requirements for medical oversight when buying this medication. It directly affects pharmacies (which can now sell it without a prescription) and consumers (who can obtain it without seeing a doctor). The law took effect after the bill passed the legislature and was signed by the governor on March 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 409 prohibits financial services providers from refusing to do business with or terminating relationships with agricultural producers solely based on their status as such. It defines "agricultural producer" to include those growing crops, raising animals, or producing livestock/dairy products. The bill requires Arkansas' Treasurer to publish a list of financial providers found to discriminate against agricultural producers, after giving them 45 days' notice and a 30-day window to prove they are not discriminating. This list will be posted online, with the process involving an ESG Oversight Committee and requiring agricultural producers to consent to sharing financial data if they report discrimination.

Maddy summaryHB 1652, now Act 393, changes rules for self-service storage facilities by making unsigned rental agreements legally enforceable and establishing a clear process for ending such agreements. It directly affects storage facility operators and renters who may have entered into verbal or incomplete written contracts. Key provisions require facilities to honor unsigned agreements (preventing disputes over missing signatures) and provide a standardized procedure for both parties to terminate agreements without lengthy legal steps. The law applies to all self-service storage facilities in the state and became effective after passing both legislative chambers and the Governor's office.

Maddy summarySB 240 amends Arkansas' Credit Reporting Disclosure Act to clarify what must be included in a "notice of adverse action" sent to consumers when a creditor denies credit or takes other negative action. The bill requires such notices to include the consumer's Social Security number, but only if the consumer previously provided it to the creditor or the number is already in the consumer report. This change directly affects consumers receiving credit denials and the creditors/reporting agencies that must send these notices. The law ensures notices provide consistent, necessary information without requiring creditors to obtain new SSNs from consumers. (Arkansas Code § 4-93-104(a), effective as Act 343, 2025)

Maddy summarySB 242 is a technical amendment to existing law governing loans involving state bank stock. It changes the language from "A renewal" to "Each renewal" in the relevant statute to clarify that multiple loan renewals are permitted under the same terms. This minor adjustment affects how financial institutions interpret renewal procedures for these specific loans but does not change any substantive requirements or create new obligations. The bill was enacted as Act 344 on March 20, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 263 (now Act 330) increases the amount of the homestead property tax credit available to Arkansas homeowners. This policy change directly benefits qualifying homeowners who own and occupy their primary residence, reducing their annual property tax bill. The bill amends the existing tax credit structure to provide a higher dollar amount for eligible taxpayers. It became law after passing the Arkansas legislature and being delivered to the Governor on March 13, 2025. The change represents a concrete adjustment to tax relief for qualified homeowners without altering eligibility requirements.

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.