Sen. John Payton

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces income tax rates for individuals, trusts, estates, and corporations in Arkansas, with changes taking effect starting in 2026. For individuals, it lowers the top tax bracket to 3.7% on income up to $94,700 and introduces a sliding scale of tax credits for those earning between $94,701 and $97,600. Corporations and foreign businesses operating in the state will see their tax rates adjusted to a tiered structure ranging from 1% to 4.1% on net income beginning in 2027. The law also includes provisions to automatically adjust these tax brackets each year based on inflation.

Maddy summarySenate Memorial Resolution 3 honors the late Senator Uvalde Rex Lindsey for his service to the State of Arkansas and his local community. The resolution formally acknowledges his career in public service, which included roles in the Arkansas House and Senate, as well as his work in business and local government. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Senator Lindsey's family.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 23 formally honors John Pendleton Reed for his thirty-five years of service as the Arkansas Senate's public information officer. The resolution acknowledges his professional contributions, including his work covering the legislature and state government, and expresses gratitude for his dedication to the institution. It concludes by presenting a copy of the resolution to Reed as a gesture of appreciation upon his retirement.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial Resolution honors the memory of Representative Stanley Jack "Stan" Berry, who passed away in March 2026, and recognizes his contributions to Arkansas and his local community. The bill formally acknowledges Berry's extensive public service, including his roles in the National Guard, various local boards, and his legislative career representing District 44. It also notes his leadership on several committees and his dedication to education and community support throughout his life. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the document to Berry's family as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial Resolution formally honors the memory of former Arkansas State Senator Gary Don Stubblefield, who passed away in September 2025. The measure directs the Senate to recognize his contributions to the state and provides a copy of the resolution to his family. It serves as an official record of his service without establishing new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial Resolution honors the memory of former Senator Luther Boyd "Lu" Hardin, who passed away in August 2025. The bill formally recognizes his significant contributions to Arkansas, including his service as a state senator, director of the State Department of Higher Education, and president of the University of Central Arkansas. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Hardin's family as a gesture of respect. This is a ceremonial document that acknowledges Hardin's life and public service rather than changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Arkansas homestead property tax credit for property owners, raising the annual reduction in real property taxes from $600 to $675. The change applies to assessment years starting on or after January 1, 2026, directly benefiting homeowners who qualify for the credit. By amending the state code, the legislation provides a slightly larger tax relief amount for eligible residents without altering other tax provisions.

Maddy summarySB 285, as amended, modifies the workers' compensation law, specifically addressing compensation restrictions. For injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2026, the bill sets a maximum compensation amount at $100,000. It also caps certain injury compensation at 75% of a calculated amount under an existing subdivision of the law. These changes directly affect individuals receiving workers' compensation benefits by adjusting the limits on their compensation.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 201 proposed to allocate $5,000,000 for grants to support meal programs during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. These funds were intended for the Department of Human Services, specifically its Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services. The bill aimed to enable Arkansas Area Agencies on Aging to provide congregate (group) and home-delivered meals to eligible individuals. It also stipulated that these funds would be transferred from the state's General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 284 modifies Arkansas's workers' compensation law, impacting injured employees and employers. It changes the process for selecting treating physicians, allowing injured workers to choose their regular primary care physician for initial treatment, provided that physician complies with managed care requirements for specialist referrals. The bill also establishes new requirements for independent medical exams (IMEs), mandating that employers obtain commission approval and share all related records and reports with the injured worker or their counsel. Additionally, injured workers gain the right to depose IME examiners, subject to covering associated fees.