Sen. Jane English

Maddy summarySenate Bill 598 amends various Arkansas laws related to the Division of Workforce Services and the definition of "employee." It establishes a specific "twenty-factor test," based on federal regulations, to determine if an individual is an employee or an independent contractor. This test guides employers and agencies when making employment status determinations for various purposes. The bill applies this updated standard to definitions of "employee" under the Workers' Compensation Law, wage discrimination laws, and other statutes administered by the Division of Workforce Services.

Maddy summarySB 560 adjusts funding mechanisms for workforce services in the state. It decreases the base contribution rate for employers while increasing the administrative assessment rate. These changes are intended to increase funding for the skilled workforce and involve amendments to the Division of Workforce Services Training Trust Fund. The bill directly affects businesses that contribute to these funds and individuals who benefit from skilled workforce training programs.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 314 amends the law regarding sexual solicitation, directly affecting individuals convicted of this offense. The bill reclassifies the penalties for sexual solicitation. A first offense is now designated as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying maximum sentences of 90 days imprisonment and/or a $2,000 fine. For a second or subsequent offense, the bill reclassifies sexual solicitation as a Class

Maddy summaryBased on the title, Senate Bill 390, now Act 695, establishes the State Apprenticeship Agency Act. This bill creates a framework for a state agency dedicated to apprenticeship programs. Without the full text of the bill, specific details about its provisions, such as the agency's exact powers, responsibilities, or who it directly affects beyond those involved in apprenticeships, cannot be provided. The provided text is an amendment that deletes a section of the bill.

Maddy summarySB 559 amends the Arkansas Military Child School Transitions Act of 2021, primarily affecting military children and their families transferring into Arkansas public schools, as well as the receiving school districts. The bill mandates that public school districts *shall* enter academic course requests for incoming military students based on their provided transcripts, rather than having the option to do so. Additionally, it allows public schools to seek waivers from the State Board of Education to accommodate students under this act.

Maddy summarySB 530 is a procedural bill that added 21 senators and 37 representatives as cosponsors to the original bill. It did not change the tax credit policy itself, as the title references an existing Arkansas Wood Energy Products and Forest Maintenance Income Tax Credit. The bill's purpose was solely to expand the list of legislators supporting the tax credit legislation. The bill was passed and became Act 701 on April 18, 2025. No substantive policy changes to the tax credit were made by this amendment.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 535 creates a sales and use tax exemption specifically for the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation. This means that these two organizations will not be required to pay sales tax on their purchases of physical goods, digital products, or services. The bill amends existing state code to add this new exemption. This change aims to reduce the tax burden on the museum and its associated foundation.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1681 establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program. This program provides grants to local entities to help fund improvements and upgrades to their water and sewer treatment infrastructure. The grants will be supported by revenues authorized by law. The program is set to expire five years after its effective date, and the administering commission is required to report annually on the status of all awarded grants.

Maddy summaryHB 1085 updates state law regarding tax-deferred tuition savings programs. It adopts federal regulations for these types of savings plans, which can affect how tuition savings grow tax-free. Additionally, the bill amends state income tax liability for individuals who transfer funds from an Arkansas Brighter Future Fund plan into a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA). This primarily affects Arkansas residents using these education savings plans and those considering converting their education savings to retirement funds.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1958 requires public entities to develop and implement a formal policy regarding the authorized use of artificial intelligence. This legislation directly affects government agencies and other public organizations. The purpose of these policies is to define how AI tools can be used within their operations, ensuring clear guidelines for their application.