Sen. Blake Johnson

Maddy summarySenate Bill 511 creates the new criminal offense of automated teller machine (ATM) impairment in Arkansas. The bill defines an ATM as an electronic device in the state that accepts or dispenses cash for financial transactions. A person commits this offense if they purposely remove an ATM or cause its impairment or interruption of use. This new offense is classified as a Class D felony.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1680, now Act 811, restricts certain foreign entities from acquiring interests in land. It prohibits businesses controlled by a "foreign party" from leasing land. The bill also prevents "prohibited foreign parties" from holding an interest in real property or agricultural land under specific circumstances. An amendment clarifies that an individual is not considered a "prohibited foreign party" if they are also a citizen of the United States.

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 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.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided title, House Bill 1814 aims to amend existing laws concerning municipal authority over utilities. It also seeks to revise the definition of "public utility" within Title 14, Chapter 200 of the state code. The full text of the bill, which would detail the specific changes and mechanisms, is not included in the provided information.

Maddy summaryHB 1796 requires all Arkansas driver's licenses and identification cards to display gender information as either "M" for male or "F" for female. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of "X" or no gender information on these documents. Applicants whose identity documents lack gender information or state "X" must select "M" or "F" on a form to receive a card. To amend gender information on a license or ID, an applicant must provide an amended birth certificate issued by a vital records office. The Office of Driver Services can also amend existing records with "X" gender to "M" or "F" to match other identity documents.

Maddy summaryHB 1424, now Act 628, mandates insurance coverage for severe obesity treatments, directly affecting insurance providers and individuals seeking such care. It requires coverage for specific bariatric surgeries, including revision surgeries for complications, along with preoperative and postoperative care like exercise and counseling. To qualify for coverage, a healthcare provider must issue a written order attesting to medical necessity based on established standards. Additionally, the covered person must affirm participation in a weight loss program and completion of necessary medical and mental health evaluations and education.

Maddy summaryHB 1308 would have regulated how residential contractors and tree service companies solicit work, specifically targeting unfair practices in home repair contracts. The bill aimed to protect homeowners by prohibiting deceptive tactics (like falsely claiming licenses or insurance) during solicitation and requiring clear written terms before work begins. It directly affected homeowners entering repair agreements and contractors seeking residential clients. The bill was withdrawn by its author in April 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1811 would have required property insurance policyholders to provide proof of deductible payment (such as canceled checks or receipts) before insurers could pay recoverable depreciation on claims. It directly affected homeowners and businesses filing property insurance claims, as well as property insurers handling those claims. The bill’s key provision would have allowed insurers to withhold recoverable depreciation payments until proof of deductible payment was received, and failure to pay deductibles would have been classified as a fraudulent insurance act. The bill was withdrawn on April 14, 2025, and is no longer active.

Maddy summaryHB 1821 creates a single State Captive Insurance Program to replace fragmented property insurance systems for public schools, state-supported colleges/universities, and state-owned properties in Arkansas. It combines these entities under one program, prohibits the use of public adjusting firms (which the bill states increased premiums), and requires independent reappraisals of higher education properties to ensure proper valuation. The bill also establishes the Office of Property Risk within the Department of Transformation and Shared Services to manage the program and mandates coordination among state agencies for a smooth transition. These changes aim to stabilize insurance costs and improve market competitiveness for these public entities.