Maddy summarySB 463 requires Arkansas public utilities to obtain approval from the Arkansas Public Service Commission before entering settlement agreements that would close or eliminate power plants or transmission assets. The bill directly affects utilities, the Commission, and consumers by mandating that settlements must legally resolve claims, not exceed regulatory costs, and avoid decisions driven by environmental goals rather than law. The Commission must evaluate whether proposed settlements are legally sound, cost-justified for consumers, and based on reasonable legal interpretations before approving or denying them. This creates a new review process to ensure settlements protect consumer interests and comply with state regulations. The bill does not change existing utility operations but adds oversight for specific settlement agreements.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution formally recognizes the North Little Rock High School Charging Wildcats Varsity Cheer Team for winning the Class 6A all-girl state championship on December 20, 2024. It specifically highlights the team’s achievements, including their state title, prior competition placements, All-State honors for two members, and their eighth-place finish at the National High School Cheerleading Championships. The resolution was adopted by both legislative chambers and presented to their coach, Missy Sela, as approved by the governor on April 10, 2025. It is a ceremonial acknowledgment with no binding policy impact.
Maddy summaryHB 1861 would criminalize operating illegal online casinos or sports betting by classifying it as a felony. It proposes creating the "Interactive Gaming Act" to establish a regulatory framework for legal internet gaming, specifically including name, image, and likeness (NILL) games like fantasy sports and casino-style games. The bill also aims to regulate these activities under the new act while explicitly covering games already authorized under Arkansas' Scholarship Lottery Act. The bill declared an emergency to expedite its passage but was withdrawn by the author on April 7, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee for interim study.
Maddy summaryHB 1268 allows public transit authorities in Arkansas to become official participants in the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System (APERS), enabling their employees to join this state retirement program. This bill directly affects employees of public transit authorities who previously might not have had access to APERS. The key provision expands retirement coverage to transit workers by treating transit authorities as eligible public employers under existing APERS rules. The bill passed as Act 450 on April 3, 2025.
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 summaryHB 1721 bans greyhound racing and wagers on greyhound racing (including simulcasts) in Arkansas. It prohibits casino licensees and franchise holders from conducting or accepting bets on greyhound racing under Arkansas law. The bill amends multiple code sections to remove greyhound racing from permitted activities, updating references in gaming, electronic games, and lottery laws to reflect this ban. The prohibition takes effect January 1, 2028, directly impacting entities currently authorized to operate greyhound racing or related wagering.
Maddy summaryHB 1505 requires public employers in Arkansas to provide coverage for licensed counseling services to public safety employees (such as police, firefighters, and emergency responders) who experience a traumatic event while on duty. This bill directly affects public safety workers by mandating employer-provided mental health support following traumatic incidents. It renews a requirement that expired under previous law (Acts 2023, No. 537) and declares an emergency to ensure immediate implementation upon the governor’s approval. The law aims to support public safety employees’ mental health, which the legislature states is essential for maintaining public safety and emergency response effectiveness.
Maddy summarySCR 4 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing former Arkansas State Representative and Senator Joyce Elliott during Black History Month for her legislative service. It honors her 23-year career in the Arkansas legislature (2000-2023), her focus on education policy, and her founding of the civic engagement nonprofit Get Loud Arkansas. The resolution has no binding effect - it simply acknowledges her contributions through a formal commendation presented to her. This is a procedural recognition, not a policy change, and was approved by both chambers and the Governor in March 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 summaryHB 1353 regulates vision benefit managers and amends Arkansas' Vision Care Plan Act and Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act. It prohibits insurance contracts from automatically reducing vision benefits solely due to other coverage (e.g., multiple vision plans), requiring such reductions to follow Insurance Commissioner-approved rules instead. The bill defines key terms like "covered materials" (e.g., lenses, frames) and "vision benefit manager," while banning agreements that force providers to charge more for non-covered services than their standard rates. This directly affects Arkansans with vision insurance plans and eye care providers, ensuring fairer billing practices for covered vision care services and materials. The bill passed in February 2025 and became Act 142.