Sen. Matt Stone

Maddy summaryHB 1303 (now Act 546) creates a state income tax credit for businesses producing sustainable aviation fuel in Arkansas. The credit allows eligible producers to reduce their state income tax liability by up to the full amount of tax they owe in a given year. It directly affects aviation fuel producers who meet the bill's sustainability criteria, providing financial incentive to develop and use cleaner fuel alternatives. The law, enacted April 10, 2025, establishes this credit as part of Arkansas' efforts to support sustainable energy infrastructure.

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 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 summaryThis bill adds nitrogen gas as an additional method of execution for individuals sentenced to death in Arkansas, alongside the existing lethal injection option. It requires prison officials to notify death row inmates of the chosen execution method (nitrogen gas or lethal injection) at least seven days in advance. The bill also includes confidentiality provisions preventing public disclosure of execution protocols, drug sources, and personnel involved under Arkansas' public records laws. This change applies to all future capital punishment cases in Arkansas, following its passage into law as Act 302.

Maddy summarySB 249 updates Arkansas forestry regulations by increasing civil penalties for violations related to forestry certification. It sets a maximum $5,000 civil penalty for individuals practicing forestry without a valid registration, falsely claiming certification, using expired credentials, or violating other registration rules. The bill also grants the Arkansas Forestry Commission new authority to create a structured penalty system for these violations. This directly affects forestry professionals, landowners who hire certified foresters, and anyone working in forestry-related roles requiring state registration. The changes strengthen enforcement of forestry licensing requirements without altering criminal penalties for violations.

Maddy summarySB 224 repeals Arkansas' specific regulations for "one hundred percent natural organic fertilizer," which previously defined the product, set minimum nutrient requirements (4% nitrogen, 2% phosphorus, 4% potassium), and required State Plant Board oversight. This repeal directly affects fertilizer manufacturers and sellers who were subject to these detailed labeling, processing, and testing rules. The bill removes the legal framework governing this fertilizer type, including prohibitions on synthetic additives and mandatory analysis methods. The repeal eliminates regulatory requirements but does not change general fertilizer laws or private sales of unprocessed animal litter.

Maddy summaryThis bill reassigns oversight of Arkansas' pest control licensing and regulations from the State Plant Board to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. It amends definitions (like "licensed operator" and "solicitor") and updates administrative language throughout the pest control law to reference the Department of Agriculture instead of the State Plant Board. The changes affect pest control businesses, license applicants, and operators who must comply with state licensing requirements. The bill primarily streamlines agency responsibility without altering the core licensing procedures or requirements for pest control professionals.

Maddy summarySB 251 clarifies that the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism must designate a representative to serve as the executive secretary of the Arkansas Trails Council. The bill amends existing law to specify this appointment process, replacing previous language about the council's structure. This change directly affects the Arkansas Trails Council's internal operations and administrative leadership. As a procedural bill, it focuses solely on organizational structure without altering the council's policy responsibilities or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1413 amends laws governing brine production and the formation of brine production units. The bill changes a mandatory requirement ("shall") to a discretionary one ("may") regarding certain brine operations and clarifies that transferred land must not substantially harm the property rights of other owners within the brine unit. This directly affects brine producers and landowners involved in brine production units by providing more flexibility in operational decisions while protecting neighboring property rights during land transfers. The bill became law as Act 254 on March 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1487 (now Act 212) modifies the membership requirements for the Arkansas Forestry Commission's committee. It specifies that the committee must include at least three registered foresters not on the commission, in addition to existing members designated by the commission chair. This change affects the Arkansas Forestry Commission's internal structure and operations by clarifying committee composition rules for rulemaking, disciplinary matters, and ethical complaints. The bill is procedural and does not alter forest management policies or public programs.