Sen. Kim Hammer

Maddy summaryHB 1377 requires Arkansas' Economic Development Commission to annually report on funding supporting new businesses or businesses established within the past five years. The report must detail the percentage and total dollar amount of economic development funds (including community development block grants) used for these purposes. This data must be submitted yearly starting in 2027 to the Governor and the House/Senate Commerce Committees. The bill does not change funding levels but mandates transparency about existing support for small businesses and startups operating in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryHB 1373 would require Arkansas' Department of Commerce to encourage at least 5% of workforce development funding - allocated through state boards - to support new businesses (starting in Arkansas) or businesses operating less than five years. This policy change would directly affect small businesses and startups seeking workforce training resources. The bill, which was introduced in 2025 but withdrawn by its author on February 11, 2025, does not create new funding but redirects existing resources. It was intended to take effect January 1, 2027, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1372 requires Arkansas' Economic Development Commission to direct at least 5% of its economic development funding - such as community development block grants - toward supporting new businesses or businesses established within the past five years. It specifically targets startups and businesses based in Arkansas, directing funds to programs that assist new business owners or services aiding businesses under five years old. The bill mandates this allocation for all eligible economic development programs, effective January 1, 2027. This policy change directly shifts funding priorities to support newer businesses through existing state economic development mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1376 would have required Arkansas state agencies to award at least 5% of their contracts to businesses operating in Arkansas for less than five years with their principal office in the state. This bill aimed to support newer Arkansas businesses by creating a mandatory procurement target for state contracts. The bill was introduced on February 3, 2025, and referred to committee, but was withdrawn by its author on February 11, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1374 requires Arkansas' Economic Development Commission to submit an annual report by January 1 each year. The report must detail state contracts awarded to newly established businesses (operating less than five years), including total numbers, dollar amounts, and demographic/ geographic breakdowns. It also mandates recommendations to improve access to state contracts for these businesses, particularly in underrepresented groups or regions. The report is submitted to the Governor and the House/Senate Commerce Committees.

Maddy summaryHB 1375 requires Arkansas' Department of Commerce to annually report how workforce development funds support new businesses or businesses established within the past five years. The report must include both the percentage and total dollar amount of these funds, specifically for individuals starting businesses or services targeting young businesses with Arkansas headquarters. The first report is due January 1, 2027, and will be submitted to the Governor and the House/Senate Commerce committees. This bill creates a transparency measure for existing funding allocation, without changing funding levels or eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Pete Coppock and Shirley Parson Coppock on the occasion of their seventieth wedding anniversary. The document details their personal histories, including their meeting after the Korean War, their careers, and their extensive community service in Saline County, Arkansas. It formally records the Senate's appreciation for their long-term commitment to one another and their contributions to local institutions. Upon adoption, a copy of the resolution is sent to the couple as a gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial Resolution honors the life and contributions of Mr. Curtis Olan Ferguson, a local businessman and community leader from Benton, Arkansas, who passed away in June 2024. The bill formally expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and commends his legacy, which includes founding a furniture and appliance business, advocating for fair local business taxes, and serving as president of the Benton Chamber of Commerce. It also acknowledges his personal impact as a storyteller, pilot, and mentor who instilled a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren. Upon adoption, a copy of the resolution will be provided to the Ferguson family by the Secretary of the Senate.