Sen. Dave Wallace

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 75 formally honors Sylvia Ann Hindsman Cornwell for her 45 years of exemplary and dedicated service to the Arkansas Senate and the State of Arkansas. It recognizes her significant contributions, such as modernizing Senate records and serving as the first female Secretary of the Senate.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1987 proposes to amend the laws governing the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services in Arkansas. This bill directly affects individuals and businesses licensed by this board, including embalmers, funeral directors, and cemetery operators. Its primary provision is to increase the maximum civil penalty the board can impose on a licensee for failing to comply with laws, rules, or orders. The bill would raise the maximum penalty from five hundred dollars ($500) to one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 23 recognizes February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week in Arkansas. This resolution commends the National FFA Organization and its Arkansas Division for their work in agricultural education and youth leadership.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 25 designates February 19, 2025, as "Nucor Day" at the State Capitol. This resolution formally recognizes Nucor Corporation and its contributions to the state of Arkansas.

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 summaryHB 1251, known as the Arkansas Anesthesiologist Assistant Act, aims to establish a new licensed healthcare profession in Arkansas: anesthesiologist assistants. The bill, as amended, defines both anesthesiologists and anesthesiologist assistants, requiring assistants to be graduates of accredited training programs. It mandates that these assistants be licensed and in good standing with the Arkansas State Medical Board. The board would also be empowered to set specific licensing requirements, including continuing medical education hours, and to assess associated fees for licensure. This bill directly affects individuals seeking to practice as anesthesiologist assistants in the state.

Maddy summarySB 440 amends existing laws concerning embalmers and funeral directors. The bill introduces regulations for the use of alkaline hydrolysis, a method for body disposition. It also establishes rules and oversight for facilities that provide alkaline hydrolysis services. This legislation directly affects licensed funeral professionals and businesses offering this specific alternative to traditional burial or cremation.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 268 proposed to transfer general revenue funds from the state into the Aging and Adult Services Fund Account. These funds were specifically designated to be used for food services benefiting elderly individuals. The bill aimed to provide additional financial resources for programs that feed the elderly and also included an emergency clause.

Maddy summarySB 526 proposed to prohibit the retail sale of specific disposable vapor products in Arkansas. It defined a "disposable vapor product" as one with a non-detachable battery that cannot be refilled and is designed for disposal after use. The bill would have banned retailers from selling such products if they originated from a "prohibited foreign party." The Director of Arkansas Tobacco Control could seize non-compliant products, with violations being a Class A misdemeanor, although FDA-approved products were exempt. A 90-day grace period was included for businesses to liquidate existing inventory.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 10 (SR 10) is a commemorative bill honoring the City of Osceola on February 5, 2025, for its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years since its founding. The resolution directs that a copy be presented to the Mayor of Osceola.