Sen. Matt Stone

Maddy summaryHB 1441 amends the legal reference to the "Arkansas Coordinate System of 1983" used by state agencies for mapping and surveying. It updates the statutory citation to reflect this coordinate system without changing its technical standards or affecting citizens. The bill was enacted as Act 214 on February 27, 2025, after passing both chambers and receiving the Governor's approval. This is a procedural administrative update, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 1412 clarifies Arkansas' authority to regulate pipeline safety for transporting hazardous liquids or carbon dioxide. It requires the Oil and Gas Commission to obtain state certification, create rules aligning with federal Department of Transportation standards, and enforce those rules after certification. The bill directly affects pipeline operators transporting these materials by establishing a clear process for state oversight. It does not create new safety requirements but formalizes how Arkansas will implement existing federal pipeline safety standards. (Act 150, passed February 2025)

Maddy summaryHB 1411 clarifies the regulation of carbon capture and storage projects in Arkansas by granting the Oil and Gas Commission specific authority over underground CO2 storage operations. It establishes a Carbon Dioxide Storage Fund funded by a $0.10 fee per ton of CO2 injected (with $0.07 directed to the fund), which will cover long-term monitoring, emergency repairs, and plugging of leaking wells after storage ends. The bill directly affects companies storing CO2 underground, requiring them to pay application fees ($50,000), annual well fees ($1,000 per well), and the per-ton fee. The fund ensures safety and environmental protection by financing post-closure activities like well inspections and remediation.

Maddy summarySB 142, now Act 122, bans students from possessing or using personal electronic devices (like phones) during the entire school day, directly affecting public school students. The law requires schools to update discipline policies to include specific exemptions: devices issued by the school for educational use, special events (defined by future rules), and devices needed for students with special education plans or concurrent enrollment college courses. It replaces prior rules with these clear exemptions while maintaining the overall "bell to bell" device ban. The bill passed in February 2025 and became law without additional committee action.

Maddy summarySB 59 requires all public schools to provide one free breakfast daily to every student upon request, without checking if they qualify for federally funded free or reduced-price meals. This policy directly affects all public school students in the state, eliminating eligibility barriers for breakfast access. The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon enactment. It changes school meal procedures by mandating universal breakfast availability as a standard practice, not tied to existing federal program eligibility. The bill became law as Act 123 on February 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1204 (now Act 28) amends Arkansas law to clarify that plaintiffs in medical negligence cases can only recover the actual costs they paid for necessary medical care, treatment, or services - or costs legally owed by them or a third party. It directly affects individuals filing medical malpractice claims and healthcare providers by limiting recoverable damages to amounts actually paid or legally responsible. The key provision changes the standard for medical cost recovery from billed rates to verified payments, preventing recovery of unpaid or inflated charges. This law, enacted on February 11, 2025, provides a clearer financial framework for medical negligence claims in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the past and present pastors, leaders, and teachers of the Missionary Baptist Seminary and Institute in Little Rock, Arkansas, for their contributions to the school's 90th anniversary. The document highlights the institution's history since its founding in 1934 and acknowledges specific achievements under various administrators, such as facility expansions and the granting of state degrees. By adopting this resolution, the Arkansas Senate expresses official appreciation for the institution's leadership and guidance rather than enacting new laws or policies.