Sen. Jamie Scott

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes and honors Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. It acknowledges the sorority's historical founding and its contributions to communities, the state of Arkansas, the nation, and the world through its ideals of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.

Maddy summarySB 225 aimed to require the Arkansas Medicaid Program to create a new category of coverage specifically for beneficiaries diagnosed with sickle cell disease. This new category would have provided dedicated treatment for individuals with this condition. The bill also mandated that the Department of Human Services apply for any necessary federal waivers or Medicaid state plan amendments to implement this change. Its purpose was to establish a distinct pathway within Medicaid for sickle cell disease patients in Arkansas.

Maddy summarySB 423 aimed to exempt certain education scholarships, awards, and grants from the individual income tax in Arkansas. This bill would have directly affected Arkansas residents who receive financial assistance from nonprofit volunteer service organizations for educational purposes. Specifically, the exemption would apply to funds used to pay for higher education attendance, educational or vocational training, or student loan repayment. If passed, this change would have been effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

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 summarySenate Bill 623 concerns the treatment of female inmates and detainees in correctional or detention facilities. The bill specifically addresses the care of individuals who are pregnant or have recently delivered a child. An amendment to the bill details a provision requiring a female medical provider or a female staff member to be present during medical procedures for these female inmates or detainees.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 39 celebrates Women's History Month during March 2025 and International Women's Day on March 8, 2025. It also recognizes the Women's Foundation of Arkansas for its efforts to improve the economic mobility of women and girls in the state.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 517 would allow county boards of election commissioners in Arkansas to designate specific restroom facilities at polling sites for use by campaign workers and volunteers. Campaign workers or volunteers who are working outside the polling site could use these designated restrooms. When entering the polling site for this purpose, they would be required to cover or remove any campaign materials, not solicit votes, and avoid interacting with poll workers. Violating these rules would be considered electioneering.

Maddy summarySB 501, known as the "Tenant Possessions Recovery Act," outlines new procedures for handling manufactured or mobile homes owned by a tenant after a court has ordered them to vacate a leased property. If a court issues an order for the tenant to give up possession, the landlord is not required to store the tenant's manufactured or mobile home. Instead, the tenant is responsible for removing their home at their own expense. The bill further states that if such a home remains on the leased lot 30 days after the court's order, it can be declared abandoned if the landlord makes a motion to the court.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 462 creates a "certificate of employability" for individuals with felony convictions in Arkansas. The Division of Correction can issue these certificates to eligible prisoners who meet specific educational, rehabilitative, and behavioral criteria upon release. Additionally, individuals with felony or misdemeanor convictions can petition a circuit court for a certificate. This certificate can be used as evidence of an employer's due care in hiring in certain negligence claims. Certificates can be revoked if the holder commits another felony or, for court-issued certificates, if material misrepresentation occurred.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SCR 8, is a concurrent resolution that formally recognizes the Mills University Studies High School Lady Comets basketball team for winning the Class 4A conference championship. It also remembers Cynthia Gregory, the late wife of Head Coach Joe Gregory, acknowledging the team's accomplishments during their 2024-2025 season. Upon adoption, a copy of the resolution is to be presented to Head Coach Joe Gregory.