Maddy summarySenate Bill 375 creates the new offense of "capital rape" in Arkansas, targeting individuals who commit sexual offenses against victims aged thirteen (13) years or younger under specific aggravated circumstances. This offense is defined by actions such as causing or threatening serious physical injury, committing certain other felonies concurrently, using a deadly weapon, or having prior convictions for similar offenses. For offenders aged eighteen (18) or older, the penalties include death or life imprisonment without parole, while offenders younger than eighteen (18) face life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after twenty (20) years. The bill also ensures that prosecution for capital rape can be commenced at any time.
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Maddy summarySB 540 limits the suspension, revocation, or imposition of restrictions on a driver's license for individuals who have suffered a seizure. This bill directly affects drivers who have experienced a seizure by placing boundaries on the actions that can be taken against their driving privileges. The legislation aims to provide specific protections regarding license status for this group. SB 540 has passed both legislative chambers and is now Act 702.
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 544 amends the Arkansas Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act, primarily affecting Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) and pharmacies in Arkansas. The bill requires PBMs to provide pharmacies with specific network identification numbers to assist in contract negotiations and establishes clear notice requirements for "opt-out contracts." It prohibits PBMs from offering "take it or leave it" contract terms that violate state law and mandates Arkansas-specific compliance for national contracts. The legislation also grants the Insurance Commissioner expanded enforcement powers, including placing PBMs on probation or suspending specific networks for non-compliance.
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 summaryThis bill clarifies the requirements for a property tax exemption offered to disabled veterans, their surviving spouses, and minor dependent children. It requires recipients to notify the county collector if their eligibility status, property description, ownership, use, or occupancy changes, or if they change their homestead. Additionally, if an exemption is determined to be erroneously granted, the county collector must remove it and may levy up to three years of unpaid property taxes, along with any applicable penalties, interest, and costs.
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 summaryThe provided text is Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 1813, not the full bill itself. This bill aims to adopt the Fair and Efficient Transmission Compact. The amendment modifies specific language within the proposed compact, affecting definitions related to electricity load and long-range transmission. It also revises sections concerning the composition and reporting duties of a Council, which would prepare annual reports and provide guidance on transmission infrastructure. Furthermore, the amendment frequently changes prescriptive language (e.g., "shall") to more permissive terms (e.g., "should," "may") regarding the compact's principles and recommended policies for transmission line development and utilization. Without the original bill text, the full scope of the compact's provisions cannot be detailed.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1803 authorizes the placement of a monument on the State Capitol Grounds. This monument is intended to recognize and honor Maurice Lee “Footsie” Britt.
Maddy summaryThe provided context for HB 1657 only shows cosponsor additions and procedural status (it became Act 709 on April 16, 2025), not the bill's substantive policy content. The title references an "income tax credit" for wood energy products and forest maintenance, but the text does not explain how the credit is amended or who it affects. Without the actual policy provisions or bill text describing changes to the tax credit, a factual summary of its mechanisms or impact cannot be generated. To provide a meaningful summary, the bill's specific policy language would be required.